| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09128708B2 |
Power saving method and system applied in optical disk drive
A power saving method and a power saving system are applied in an optical disk drive. The power saving system comprises a power controlling unit for differentiating the specific sets of circuits not being used at a specific operation rate and powering them down. The sets of circuits not being used will be powered up while the associated operation rate at which they are required to operate is nearly started. |
| US09128704B2 |
Operations management methods and devices thereof in information-processing systems
Total power consumption of information-processing devices and power supply/cooling facilities is reduced to realize energy saving operation of information-processing system. The information-processing system includes information-processing devices, power supply facilities, cooling facilities and an operations management device. The operations management device is connected to the devices and the facilities and includes layout information constituted of locations and operating information of the devices and locations and environmental information of the facilities. Also, the operations management device obtains the power consumption of the devices, the power supply loss of the power supply facilities and the cooling power of the cooling facilities by using the layout information, and then allocates the workloads to the devices so as to reduce the total sum of power consumption, supply loss and cooling power. |
| US09128702B2 |
Asynchronous message passing
This specification describes technologies relating to software execution. A computing device includes a processor. An operating system includes an execution environment in which applications can execute computer-specific commands. A web-browser application includes a scripting environment for interpreting scripted modules. The web-browser application further includes a native environment in which native modules can execute computer-specific commands. The web-browser application further includes an interface between the scripting environment and the native environment. The interface includes functions to asynchronously pass data objects by value, from one of the scripting environment and the native environment, to the other of the scripting environment and the native environment. |
| US09128697B1 |
Computer numerical storage format with precision type indicator
Various techniques for storing computer numbers such as floating-point numbers. In one embodiment, a data processing unit is configured to represent floating-point numbers using a first precision with a first number of bits and a second precision with a second number of bits, where the second number of bits is greater than the first number of bits. A floating-point type value may be set upon a memory store to indicate whether a first representation of a floating-point number uses the first or the second number of bits. A second representation of the floating-point number and the floating-point type value may be stored accordingly. In some embodiments, the second representation may correspond to the first representation with one or more bits shifted. This format may lead to memory power savings when reading from a memory location of the second precision when the result is indicated as the first precision. |
| US09128693B2 |
Systems and methods for workflow automation, adaptation and integration
Systems and methods for implementing complex and disparate workflows, wherein a flexible framework (system architecture) is used for workflow automation, adaptation and integration. |
| US09128691B2 |
Method and terminal for selecting internal circuit according to USB interface status
A method for selecting an internal circuit according to a USB interface status includes: connecting a first pin of a USB interface of a terminal to a power supply through a pull-up resistor, where the first pin is a D− or D+ pin; when detecting that an external USB device is inserted into the USB interface, detecting whether the level status of the first pin is high or low; if the level status is low, connecting the D− and D+ pins to corresponding pins of a USB data communication module of the terminal and controlling charging of the terminal according to a first policy; if the level status is high, determining whether the level statuses of the D− and D+ pins are consistent, and if consistent, controlling charging of the terminal according to a second policy; if inconsistent, controlling charging of the terminal according to a third policy. |
| US09128677B2 |
Input module and electronic device having the same
An input module includes a substrate, at least two bio-keys and a control unit. The substrate has at least two bio-leads and switches. Each of the bio-keys has a key surface, at least one conductive elastic piece and a protrusion. The conductive elastic piece is electrically connected and conducted to the key surface and the bio-leads. The control unit has an input-signal generating element and a biological-signal generating element. The input-signal generating element is configured to generate a first input signal and a second input signal by using the protrusion to toggle the switch. The biological-signal generating element is configured to generate a bioelectric signal through the electrical conduction between the bio-key and the bio-lead. The present invention further provides an electronic device, in which the bioelectric signal is analyzed by an operational unit to generate a biological function index. |
| US09128676B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device comprises an upper member, a lower member having two guiding grooves, two supports and two connecting members. One end of each support is pivoted to the upper member with a first pivot portion. The other end of each support is pivoted to the lower member with a second pivot portion. One end of each connecting member is pivoted at one side of the upper member, and the other end thereof is restricted in the guiding groove and capable of reciprocally sliding in the guiding groove. |
| US09128674B2 |
Thermal press and ultraviolet curing for display assemblies
Methods for controlling deformation of laminated display assemblies are described. The laminated display assemblies can include flexible layers. In some embodiments, the flexible layers are sensor layers. Methods involving the use of a thermal press and ultra violet (UV) curing procedure are described. In one embodiment, a thermal press method can be performed by placing a laminated display assembly including the flexible substrate, an ink layer, an adhesive, and a cover on a temperature controlled fixture. A mechanical press can apply pressure to the top of the laminated display assembly. The mechanical press can remove any planar deformity of the flexible layer and can redistribute portions of the adhesive. Following the mechanical pressing, the laminated display assembly can be exposed to UV light to cure the adhesive and thereby fix in place the planar state of the laminated display assembly. |
| US09128672B1 |
Vacuum-sealed base for stabilizing a portable computing device on a surface
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for stabilizing a computing device having a touch screen display on a flat surface. This helps prevent the device from being inadvertently moved, tipped over or otherwise displaced by a user when the display screen is tapped. By using a fan or a type of air pump to evacuate air from underneath a bottom surface of the device, a low-pressure region can be created that effectively pins the device to the flat surface. An airtight vacuum seal on the bottom of the device prevents air from entering or escaping the low-pressure region that has been created. A configurable actuator mounted within the device may regulate airflow to and from this low-pressure region. The fans or pump used to create the airtight seal may also be used for thermal management of internal device components. |
| US09128663B1 |
Touch sensing electrode structure and method of manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing touch sensing electrode structure includes the steps of selecting a predetermined substrate material to form a substrate layer; forming at least one adhesion layer on the substrate layer; forming a masking layer with recessed lines on the adhesion layer; forming metal conductive electrodes in the recessed lines on the masking layer; removing the masking layer for the metal conductive electrodes to present a circuit pattern and etching off portions of the adhesion layer located between the metal conductive electrodes; and forming at least one weatherproof layer on peripheral surfaces of the metal conductive electrodes. The touch sensing electrode structure manufactured according to the above method has high yield rate and is weatherproof, and the metal conductive electrodes thereof have precisely controlled small width. |
| US09128651B2 |
Printing apparatus, method of controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium
In the present invention, a part of the recording elements in accordance with a position of a print medium with respect to a printing head when printing is performed after the detection is performed among the plurality of recording elements arranged in a conveyance direction during conveyance of the print medium are used for printing if the width of the print medium is detected by the sensor. Then the image of printing target of the size in accordance with the width of the print medium is printed on the print medium. |
| US09128648B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes execution units configured to execute predetermined functional processing, and switches to a second power state lower than a first power state. After a user selects priority on power saving or priority on convenience as a condition for switching to the second power state, the image forming apparatus receives a plurality of recovery triggers for switching to the first power state. A number of times of detection of each recovery trigger received is stored. If the user selects priority on convenience, it is determined whether the number of times of detection of each recovery trigger requiring a large power amount consumed by execution units associated with each recovery trigger falls below a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the number of times of detection of a recovery trigger falls below the predetermined threshold, the recovery trigger may be disabled. |
| US09128645B2 |
System including image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus, method performed under the system, image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus directed to the system, and non-transitory storage medium encoded with program directed to the apparatuses
Provided is a system including a first image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected via a network. When a second image forming apparatus is added to the network, the second image forming apparatus generates parent setting information indicating that the first image forming apparatus previously connected to the network is its parent, and transmits the parent setting information to the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus generates parent-child relationship setting information indicating a parent-child relationship between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, based on the parent setting information from the second image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus registers the second image forming apparatus as a new output destination, based on information of the second image forming apparatus. |
| US09128640B2 |
Software product consistency assessment
A consistency assessment system for assessment of consistency of a software product includes a mapping module to obtain a plurality of configuration elements associated with the software product being developed, where each of the plurality of configuration elements influence software product development. Each of the plurality of configuration elements pertains to one of a plurality of element categories influencing software product development. The mapping module further identifies based on one or more identifiers, association of at least one configuration element from among the plurality of configuration elements with at least one another configuration element from among the plurality of configuration elements. Upon identification, an assessing module determines a requirement consistency index (RCI) for assessment of consistency of the software product. The RCI indicates an overall consistency of the software product. |
| US09128638B2 |
Integrated time-stamped event recorder
An event recorder includes an outer case, and a first memory module including a first amount of data storage capacity contained within the outer case. The first memory module is configured to receive and store multiple types of data including at least two of: video data; audio data; locomotive data indicative of one or more locomotive operating parameters, locomotive control signals, and locomotive performance characteristics; engine operating parameter data; exhaust characteristics data; electrical data; and positive train control data. A controller contained within the outer case may be configured to associate a universal time stamp with each of the multiple types of data stored in the first memory module. An inner, crash-hardened case may be contained within the outer case, containing a second memory module including a second amount of data storage capacity that is smaller than the first amount. The controller may be further configured to periodically transfer a portion of the time-stamped data stored in the first memory module to the second memory module. |
| US09128635B2 |
Card and host apparatus
A host apparatus, into which a card having a nonvolatile semiconductor memory is inserted, issues a check command to the card. The check command instructs to send information on whether the card supports a termination process in which the card shifts into a state ready for a stop of power supply from the host apparatus. |
| US09128634B1 |
Systems and methods of packed command management for non-volatile storage devices
The present disclosure includes systems and methods relating to packed command management for non-volatile storage devices. In some implementations, a device includes: a host controller configured to transfer data between a host memory and a storage device; and a non-transitory medium encoding host software configured to prepare a packed command, which represents more than one command, by loading pointers to memory blocks associated with the packed command into a host memory; wherein the host controller is configured to assert an interrupt to the host software, for at least one command of the packed command, after data transfer for the at least one command is completed, but before data transfer for all of the commands of the packed command is completed. |
| US09128633B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the semiconductor memory device
A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes receiving a timeout index signal corresponding to a master of the first master group based on a residual capacity of a data buffer of the first master, setting a first timeout value in response to the timeout index signal, and changing an execution order of commands stored in a queue of the semiconductor memory device based on a result of counting the first timeout value and counting a second timeout value corresponding to a master of the second master group. |
| US09128632B2 |
Memory module with distributed data buffers and method of operation
A memory module is operatable in a memory system with a memory controller. The memory module comprises a module control device to receive command signals from the memory controller and to output module command signals and module control signals. The module command signals are provided to memory devices organized in groups, each group including at least one memory device, while the module control signals are provided to a plurality of buffer circuits to control data paths in the buffer circuits. The plurality of buffer circuits are associated with respective groups of memory devices and are distributed across a surface of the memory module such that each module control signal arrives at the plurality of buffer circuits at different points in time. The plurality of buffer circuits are configured to align read data signals received from the memory devices such that the read data signals are transmitted to the memory controller from the memory module substantially aligned with each other and in accordance with a read latency parameter of the memory system. |
| US09128630B2 |
System and method for monitoring memory stack size
A system and method for monitoring a memory stack size is provided, and more particularly, a method for monitoring a memory stack size, whereby the size of a memory stack applied to an operating system of a controller for a vehicle is monitored so that an overflow phenomenon of the memory stack can be prevented. That is, an accurate usage amount of a memory stack of the entire control system for a hybrid vehicle is efficiently and effectively monitored so that, when the control system reaches a risk level of stack overflow, fail-safe logic is executed and an overflow phenomenon of the memory stack as a result can be prevented. |
| US09128629B1 |
Throttling techniques for use with data relocation
Techniques are described for copying data using a throttling mechanism to achieve a desired time delay. A request is received to copy a data portion from a source location of a first physical device to a target location of a second physical device. A desired average delay time is determined in accordance with a plurality of values including a throttle value affecting a rate at which data is copied from the source location to the target location. The request is partitioned into subrequests. The data portion is partitioned into a subportions. Each of the subrequests copies one of the subportions. The subrequests are performed whereby a time delay is introduced between at least two of the plurality of subrequests and whereby an average time delay with respect to each pair of consecutively issued subrequests is the desired average time delay. |
| US09128625B1 |
Method and system for physical memory reservation for user-space programs
Contiguous regions of physical memory may be reserved for user-space programs through a boot time parameter that specifically identifies the memory region to be reserved. In an implementation, the boot time parameter includes first and second values that are used to define a starting and ending address of the memory region to be reserved. The reserved memory is accessible by the operating system kernel storage and networking stacks so that the user-space programs can use services provided by the kernel storage and networking stacks. |
| US09128622B1 |
Network virtualization-aware data storage system
A data storage system includes at least one network virtualization-aware switch. The data storage system also includes at least one storage array operatively coupled to the network virtualization-aware switch, wherein the storage array is operatively coupled to at least one host computing device, and wherein the host computing device instantiates at least one virtual machine in at least one virtual network. Further, the data storage system includes at least one controller operatively coupled to the network virtualization-aware switch, wherein the controller is configured to link the storage array with the virtual machine of the virtual network through the network virtualization-aware switch. |
| US09128621B2 |
Storage system control method
An apparatus for copying data to another apparatus including a receiving buffer, includes: a transmitting buffer including a plurality of areas for temporary storing data of the copying; and a processor for executing a process, including: receiving information indicative of an instantaneous vacant area of the receiving buffer of the another apparatus, the vacant area being capable of temporarily storing data that could be transmitted from the transmitting buffer, determining an area of the transmitting buffer that stores data to be transmitted subsequently in reference to the information of the vacant area, and transmitting data stored in the determined area of the transmitting buffer to the receiving buffer of the another apparatus. |
| US09128619B2 |
System, method and computer program product for optimization of tape performance
A tape performance optimization method may include accumulating data in a memory, monitoring the accumulation of data, determining whether a certain amount of data has been accumulated in the memory, and causing the accumulated data to be migrated to a tape in a tape library. In one embodiment, the amount of data to be accumulated is set to be two wraps or a multiple thereof. Using embodiments, it can take zero or near zero time to rewind the tape when unloading occurs, eliminating wasted tape movement time and significantly increasing tape performance. In one embodiment, the accumulation of data may be terminated even if the desired amount of data has not been accumulated. In one embodiment, the termination might be triggered by a timeout condition. |
| US09128618B2 |
Non-volatile memory controller processing new request before completing current operation, system including same, and method
A non-volatile memory controller, system and method capable of processing a next request as an interrupt before completing a current operation are disclosed. The non-volatile memory system includes a first memory storing meta data loaded from a flash memory; a second memory storing the meta data copied from the first memory; and a flash memory controller copying the meta data from the first memory to the second memory, changing the meta data in the second memory, and then re-copying the changed meta data from the second memory to the first memory during a first-type operation that requires changes in the meta data. |
| US09128613B2 |
Positioning clickable hotspots on a touchscreen display
Positioning clickable hotspots on a touchscreen display, including: identifying, by a hotspot generation module, a clickable object displayed on the touchscreen display, wherein the clickable object has an associated original clickable zone for invoking the clickable object; generating, by the hotspot generation module, a clickable hotspot associated with the clickable object, wherein the clickable hotspot has an associated updated clickable zone for invoking the clickable object; determining, by the hotspot generation module, a position on the touchscreen display for placing the clickable hotspot; and placing, by the hotspot generation module, the clickable hotspot at the position on the touchscreen display, wherein the original clickable zone and the updated clickable zone cover different areas of the touchscreen display. |
| US09128612B2 |
Continuous determination of a perspective
In a method and operating element for establishing an angle of view for an observer with respect to a two or three-dimensional object, which is displayed on an output device, the establishment of the angle of view takes place by control on a simple circular disc. A point on the disc is converted to a position on a virtual sphere. The respective angle of view with respect to the object is established by the axis, determined by the calculated position on the virtual sphere and the sphere center. |
| US09128610B2 |
Virtual predictive keypad
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by generating a dynamic virtual keyboard. Certain examples display a soft keyboard on a touchscreen of a text-entry device. The touchscreen works with the soft keyboard as a form of text input. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the footprint of each key within the soft keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The touchscreen displays a dynamic virtual keyboard based on these prediction values. Enhancements include resizing keys and their respective footprints relative to their prediction value. Other examples exploit the possible character sequences and their probabilities in a language and restructuring the keyboard to make text input more efficient. The devices and methods use modeling techniques to dynamically generate the size of the characters on the keyboard. |
| US09128604B2 |
Systems and methods for positioning a cursor
Systems and methods are described for repositioning a cursor. One embodiment is a method implemented in a mobile device for repositioning a cursor. The method comprises displaying a user interface and receiving, by the mobile device via the user interface, an initial tap on the mobile device by a user. Based on the initial tap, an anchor is invoked for repositioning a cursor, wherein the location of the anchor corresponds to a location of the cursor. The method further comprises receiving an additional tap after the initial tap. Based on a location of the additional tap with respect to the anchor, the cursor is repositioned according to the additional tap. The method further comprises updating the user interface to reflect repositioning of the cursor. |
| US09128601B2 |
Embedded authentication systems in an electronic device
Described are methods, devices and computer-readable media for displaying, on a touch screen display, a user interface that includes an unlocked element, detecting user inputs that include movement of a finger contact on the unlocked element toward the first location, wherein the first location is in respective direction from the unlocked element. Fingerprint data is obtained based on the finger movement, and based on the obtained fingerprint data, it is determined whether the user inputs meet unlock criteria or not. |
| US09128597B2 |
Method for switching user interface, electronic device and recording medium using the same
A user interface switching method, and an electronic device and a recording medium using the same are provided. First, a plurality of user interfaces are provided, and one of the user interfaces is displayed in a touch screen of the portable electronic device. A representative icon bar and a hot key bar are displayed in the touch screen, wherein the representative icon bar comprises representative icons respectively corresponding to the user interfaces and the hot key bar comprises one or more hot keys corresponding to the user interface currently displayed in the touch screen. When the touch screen detects a touch signal which falls within the representative icon bar and is moved therein, the representative icon bar is moved correspondingly, and the displayed user interface and hot keys are also switched according to the representative icon on which the touch signal is terminated. |
| US09128596B2 |
Method and device for selecting and displaying a region of interest in an electronic document
A method is provided for selecting a region of interest in an electronic document and displaying the selected region in a manner that is adapted to the capabilities of a display. The method may comprise such steps as loading a document, selecting a position within said document, analyzing the layout of the document in order to identify a region of interest containing said position, and displaying said region of interest on said display in a manner that aligns the region of interest with a window of said display. Also described is a device configured to perform the method and a computer program product including instructions for performing the method on a computing device. |
| US09128594B1 |
Touch interfaces and controls for aviation displays
An apparatus for controlling an aviation display is provided. The apparatus includes processing electronics configured to cause the aviation display to switch, in response to a user input, a first format for aviation data and a second format for aviation data. The first format includes a full format image of live data and the second format includes a scaled representation of the live data. |
| US09128589B1 |
Method and apparatus for notification on an electronic handheld device using an attention manager
A method and system for notification in a palm-sized computer system. Specifically, the present invention discloses an Attention Manager that manages application demand for a user's attention. The Attention Manager receives multiple attention requests from varying applications. With each new attention request received that indicates a record needs a user's attention, the Attention Manager stores the request in memory and determines if are other outstanding attention requests that have not been cleared. Depending on number of outstanding requests, the Attention Manager sends a request for record information in list or detail format. If there are multiple outstanding attention requests, the Attention Manager displays a notification dialog in a list format. If there is only one outstanding attention request, the Attention Manager displays the notification dialog in detail format. Additionally, a simple user interface to navigate to the application and record entry requiring attention is provided. |
| US09128588B2 |
Assisted service registration facilitating business process service reuse
Methods and systems receive a service name, a service description, and/or operational steps of a service being registered. A first menu of previously established service class choices is provided in ranked order based on the service name, service description, and/or operational steps. Similarly, second and third menus of previously established class input/output mappings to inputs and outputs (required and produced by the operational steps of the service being registered) is presented in a ranked order, based on similar input/outputs of the selected service class. A fourth menu of previously established class transformations is provided in ranked order based on the similarity of inputs and outputs required for the operational steps of the service being registered, and inputs and outputs of the selected service class. The service is registered based on the selected service class, the selected class input mappings, the selected class output mappings, and the selected transformations. |
| US09128587B1 |
System, method, and computer program for presenting service options to a user utilizing a three-dimensional structure
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for presenting service options to a user utilizing a three-dimensional structure. In use, a first group of service options are presented to a user, utilizing a three-dimensional structure. Additionally, a selection of one or more of the first group of service options by the user is received. Further, a selection of a depth element associated with the three-dimensional structure by the user is received. Further still, a second group of service options are presented to the user utilizing the three-dimensional structure, based on the selection of the one or more of the first group of service options and the selection of the depth element. |
| US09128582B2 |
Visible card stack
A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the smartpad. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad. |
| US09128579B2 |
Software localization through user contribution
A method to adapt a software application for a geographical region. The invention includes receiving, by a computer processor and from at least one of a plurality of users of the software application, a first translation of a localizable item in a user interface (UI) menu of the software application, wherein the first translation is based on a language of the geographical region, generating, by the computer processor, a tally of the first translation from the plurality of users, presenting, to the plurality of users via a plurality of instantiations of the UI menu in response to the tally exceeding a pre-determined count, the localizable item using the first translation, receiving, from the plurality of users via the plurality of instantiations of the UI menu, feedback regarding the accuracy of the first translation, and classifying, based on the feedback, the first translation as an approved translation of the localizable item. |
| US09128577B2 |
Hybrid capacitive touch system design and method
In one embodiment, a system includes first lines of conductive material and a touch sensor comprising second and third lines of conductive material inside and outside the touch sensor. The first lines of conductive material are outside the touch sensor and disposed between second lines of conductive material outside the touch sensor and the third lines of conductive material outside the touch sensor. The system further includes logic that is configured when executed to apply a ground signal to the first lines of conductive material and sense touch inputs at the touch sensor using mutual-capacitive touch sensing in response to determining to operate in a mutual-capacitive mode of operation, and apply a voltage signal to the first lines of conductive material and sense touch inputs at the touch sensor using self-capacitive touch sensing in response to determining to operate in a self-capacitive mode of operation. |
| US09128575B2 |
Intelligent input method
An intelligent input method and intelligent input system are disclosed. The intelligent input system includes an electronic device and an input device. The intelligent input method comprises the following steps. Firstly, a touch input is received through an input interface of an input device. Then, plural control areas on the input interface are defined according to a touch position of the touch input on the input interface. The plural control areas are respectively correlated with plural input functions of the input device. The intelligent input method allows the user to input or select a target object or browse a web page or operate any graphical user interface containing randomly-distributed objects in an electronic device such as an intelligent TV or a digital multimedia player. Consequently, the target object can be selected and inputted in an intelligent, quick and intuitive manner. |
| US09128573B2 |
High signal to noise ratio capacitive sensing analog front-end
Capacitance sensing circuits and methods are provided. The capacitance sensing circuit includes a capacitance-to-voltage converter configured to receive a signal from a capacitance to be sensed and to provide an output signal representative of the capacitance, an output chopper configured to convert the output signal of the capacitance-to-voltage converter to a sensed voltage representative of the capacitance to be sensed, an analog accumulator configured to accumulate sensed voltages during an accumulation period of NA sensing cycles and to provide an accumulated analog value, an amplifier configured to amplify the accumulated analog value, and an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the amplified accumulated analog value to a digital value representative of the capacitance to be sensed. The analog accumulator may include a low pass filter having a frequency response to filter wideband noise. |
| US09128571B2 |
Capacitive touch panel having improved response characteristics
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a second layer disposed over a first layer. Each of the first and second layers have a set of detection electrodes that are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another and an associated set of interleavers. Each interleaver is located between adjacent detection electrodes from its associated the set of detection electrodes, and each set of interleavers also includes a pair of complementary interleaving electrodes coupled to those that are electrically coupled to the adjacent detection electrodes from its associated set of detection electrodes. The detection electrodes and interleaving electrodes are also substantially transparent to visible spectrum light. |
| US09128569B2 |
Touch screen panel
A touch screen panel includes a thin film substrate having sensing patterns formed thereon that is implemented as an isotropic film, and a polarizing plate is disposed on the sensing patterns so that it is possible to minimize or reduce degradation of image quality. The touch screen panel includes a thin film substrate, sensing patterns, and sensing lines. The thin film substrate is divided into an active area and a non-active area. The sensing patterns are formed in the active area of the thin film substrate. The sensing lines are formed in the non-active area of the thin film substrate so as to be connected to the sensing patterns. In the touch screen panel, the thin film substrate is implemented as an isotropic film. |
| US09128561B2 |
Method of driving a display panel, display panel driving apparatus for performing the method and display apparatus having the display panel driving apparatus
A display panel driving apparatus a data driving part which applies a first data signal to a data line corresponding to a first area of the display panel during a first sub frame period of a frame period and applies a second data signal to a data line corresponding to a second area of the display panel during a second sub frame period of the frame period, and a touch driving part which applies a touch driving signal to a touch driving line of the display panel during a first blank period next to the first sub frame period and applies the touch driving signal to the touch driving line during a second blank period next to the second sub frame period and included in the frame period. |
| US09128556B2 |
Display device having a built-in touch input means
This disclosure provides a display device having a built-in touch input unit, the display device including: a lower substrate; an upper substrate; a plurality of first signal lines and second signal lines; touch cells that are formed in a plurality of areas, respectively including a conductive pad that forms an electrostatic capacity between a touch input means and the conductive pad when the touch input means approaches to the conductive pad within a predetermined distance (d) in each divided area, and at least a 3-terminal type switching element whose gate electrode is connected to the conductive pad; and a touch position detector that transmits and receives position detection signals to and from the first signal lines and the second signal lines, and detects whether output signals of the switching element are changed by capacitance that is formed between the touch input means and the conductive pad. |
| US09128551B2 |
Touch display method using virtual keyboard before loading operating system and electronic apparatus thereof
A touch display method is configured for an electronic apparatus including a touch display module and an embedded controller. The touch display module includes a touch display device and a touch input controller. The method includes following steps: loading a BIOS to perform an initialization operation when the electronic apparatus has not loaded an operating system; defining a virtual input area in the touch display device; and further displaying an input interface on the virtual input area. Generate a touch event when the touch display device is touched and translate the touch event into a coordinate by the touch input controller. If the coordinate is in the input interface, the touch input controller outputs a function signal to the embedded controller through the hardware interface. The embedded controller translates the function signal into a scan code for the electronic apparatus to execute operations corresponding to the scan code. |
| US09128548B2 |
Selective reporting of touch data
A graphical user interface is rendered on a display screen of a touch screen device. The display screen includes a display area for rendering images, and the graphical user interface of the application is rendered in a portion of the display area. Digital touch data is generated in response to user interactions with a touch-sensitive surface of the touch screen device. the digital touch data into OS touch events and application touch events. The OS touch events, application touch events, and application location information are received at a system hook. The application location information identifies the portion of the display area of the touch screen device in which the graphical user interface of the application is rendered. The system hook filters the OS touch events and the application touch events based on the application location information and provides the filtered OS touch events and application touch events to the application. |
| US09128536B2 |
Frequency synthesizer and frequency synthesizing method for converting frequency's spurious tones into noise
One of the advantages of direct frequency synthesis technique (e.g., flying-adder architecture) is its capability of generating arbitrary frequency by utilizing the time-average-frequency concept. In the clock output of the direct frequency synthesizer, instead of one type of cycle, there are two types of cycles. Unlike the conventional one-type-cycle clock wherein clock energy is concentrated at its designed frequency, Time-Average-Frequency based clock spreads some of its energy into spurious tones, which could be harmful to certain applications. The spurious tones are caused by the periodic carry sequence generated from a fractional part accumulator inside the frequency synthesizer. The invention suggests a method and an apparatus to break this periodicity and convert the spurious tones into broadband noise. |
| US09128532B2 |
Keyboard with screw nut
A keyboard comprising a keyboard module, a support plate and at least one screw nut attached to the support plate. |
| US09128531B2 |
Operand special case handling for multi-lane processing
A single instruction multiple data processing pipeline 12 for processing floating point operands includes shared special case handling circuitry 34 for performing any operand dependent special case processing operations. The operand dependent special case processing operations result from special case conditions such as operands that are denormal, an infinity, a not-a-number and a floating point number requiring format conversion. The pipeline 12 may in some embodiments be stalled while the operands requiring special case processing are serially shifted to and from the shared special case handling circuitry 34. In other embodiments the instruction in which the special case condition for an operand arose may be recirculated through the pipeline with permutation circuitry 86, 94 being used to swap the operands between lanes in order to place the operand(s) requiring special case processing operations into the lane containing the shared special case handling circuitry 98. |
| US09128529B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method
An image processing device includes, a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, acquiring an image including a subject recognized and a movement site of a user; recognizing the subject recognized and the movement site from the image; and controlling a display location, in the image, of an additional information image corresponding to the subject recognized, to a location other than the subject recognized and the movement site. |
| US09128525B2 |
Dynamic tactile interface
One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a tactile layer comprising a peripheral region and a deformable region, the peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and the deformable region arranged over the fluid conduit, disconnected from the substrate, and operable between a retracted setting and an expanded setting, the deformable region elevated above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a tube comprising a first end fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and constrained relative to the substrate; a volume of fluid within the tube; and a rotary actuator coupled to the tube remote from the first end and configured to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting by winding the tube to displace a portion of the volume of fluid within the tube into the fluid channel. |
| US09128522B2 |
Wink gesture input for a head-mountable device
This disclosure relates to proximity sensing for wink detection. An illustrative method includes receiving data from a receiver portion of a proximity sensor. The receiver portion is disposed at a side section of a head-mountable device (HMD). When a wearer wears the HMD, the receiver portion is arranged to receive light reflected from an eye area of the wearer, the proximity sensor detects a movement of the eye area, and the data represents the movement. The method includes determining that the data corresponds to a wink gesture. The method also includes selecting a computing action to perform, based on the wink gesture. The method further includes performing the computing action. |
| US09128517B2 |
Vehicular terminal with input switching
A vehicular terminal receives an input of a condition via an input unit, such that the input may be performed via manual operation or voice recognition. An input restriction function restricts a reception of the condition by manual operation during vehicle travel. The vehicular terminal determines whether an input reception restriction function is in effect during the reception of the condition by manual operation via the input unit. When it is determined that the input reception restriction function is in, the vehicular terminal switches an input method for reception of the input of the condition from manual operation to voice recognition, thereby allowing a continuous reception of the condition. |
| US09128515B2 |
Control device for providing a reconfigurable operator interface
A control device for providing a reconfigurable operator interface for a medical apparatus is provided. The control device comprises a control surface comprising at least one control actuator arranged on the control surface. The control device further comprises a plurality of modules arranged side-by-side and attached to each other via adjacent abutting side surfaces in a liquid-tight manner, wherein the plurality of modules comprise a first terminal module having a closing end surface and an abutting side surface opposite the closing end surface, and a second terminal module having an abutting side surface facing towards the abutting side surface of the first terminal module, and an opposite closing end surface. Operation of the control device is enabled when all the abutting side surfaces of the plurality of modules are in an attached state. |
| US09128510B2 |
Departure time scheduling control system for an electric vehicle
The departure time scheduling control system includes an electric vehicle having an electric power storage device and an interior climate control device operable to vary an interior temperature. A user interface includes a display and an input portion which allows a user to schedule a departure time having a temperature setting and a charge mode setting having an immediate mode and a delayed mode. A charger unit controls the charging of the electric power storage device to the preset charge level accordingly to the charge mode setting by the departure time. A controller activates the interior climate control device to bring the interior temperature to the temperature setting by the departure time. The controller also activates the charger unit to charge the electric power storage device according to the charge mode setting to the preset charge level by said departure time. |
| US09128508B2 |
Module for controlling a force required to actuate an electromechanical actuator
A force control module, assembly, or device for controlling a force required to actuate an electromechanical actuator or a set of electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuator is for example a computer mouse button, a keypad, or a joystick button. The force control module includes a lever element that is couplable to the electromechanical actuator, and a fulcrum element that is engageable with the lever element at a pivot point or fulcrum point. A set of displacement control units is configured and disposed for controlling the displacement of the fulcrum element relative to the lever element. A displacement of the fulcrum element relative to the lever element varies a position of the fulcrum point. The force required for actuating the electromechanical actuator is at least partially dependent upon the position of the fulcrum point. By displacing the fulcrum element relative to the lever element, and hence varying the position of the fulcrum point, a user can vary the force required for actuating the electromechanical actuator. |
| US09128506B2 |
Power tracking device and power tracking method
A power tracking device and a power tracking method is disclosed herein. The power tracking device includes a power voltage setting circuit, a switch, a switching signal circuit, and a voltage memory circuit. The switching signal circuit is configured for sending a first control signal to the switch. When the switch receives the first control signal and electrically isolates the power source and the power voltage setting circuit, the voltage memory circuit stores an open circuit voltage of the power source and sends a setting voltage relative to the open circuit voltage, and when the switch receives the first control signal and electrically connects the power source and the power voltage setting circuit, the power voltage setting circuit sets an output voltage of the power source to correspond with the setting voltage. |
| US09128505B2 |
Voltage regulator circuit
A voltage regulator circuit comprises an amplifier (10) having a first input coupled to a first reference voltage node; a power pass element (20) having a control terminal coupled to an output of the amplifier, an input coupled to a power supply input of the voltage regulator circuit, and an output coupled to an output of the voltage regulator circuit; a feedback circuit (30, 31) having an input coupled to the output of the power pass element and an output coupled to a second input of the amplifier; and a compensation module (60) comprising a transistor (61), wherein a gate or base terminal of the transistor is coupled to a second reference voltage node, a drain or collector terminal of the transistor is coupled to the output of the amplifier, and a source or emitter terminal of the transistor is coupled to the power supply input of the voltage regulator circuit. The voltage regulator circuit is capable to increase the power supply rejection ratio of low drop-out voltage regulators. |
| US09128504B2 |
Signal generation circuit, method of operating a signal generation circuit, and device for generating an output voltage
A signal generation circuit includes: a clock signal generator configured to generate a clock signal and to change a frequency of the clock signal in response to a select signal; a transmission control circuit configured to control transmission of the clock signal based on the select signal; and a counter configured to perform an operation among a count operation and a count stop operation based on an output signal of the transmission control circuit and to output the select signal based on a result of performing the operation. When the counter performs the count operation in response to the clock signal output from the transmission control circuit, the counter outputs a most significant bit (MSB) among its count bits as the select signal. |
| US09128499B2 |
Apparatus and methods to control peak current mode controlled power converters using selective noise blanking
An apparatus and a method to control peak current mode controlled power converter system using selective noise blanking are disclosed. The control of the peak current mode controlled power converter system using selective noise blanking is implemented by hardware, software and/or combination of both to carry out adjusting a blanking time and a blanking time period to prevent change of an output of a pulse modulated waveform generator starting at the blanking time for the blanking time period. |
| US09128498B2 |
Dead-time compensation in a power supply system
A power supply system (10) includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) system (14) configured to generate a PWM signal. The system (10) also includes a power stage (16) comprising a gate driver (60), a high-side switch, and a low-side switch. The gate driver (60) can be configured to alternately activate the high-side and low-side switches to provide an output signal to a load (12) in response to the PWM signal, and to provide an activation dead-time between the alternate activation of the high-side and low-side switches. The system (10) further includes a digital delay system (18) configured to measure the activation dead-time and to add the measured activation dead-time to the activation of the high-side switch. |
| US09128496B2 |
Auto-ranging for time domain extraction of perturbations to sinusoidal oscillation
A method for increasing the accuracy of a time-domain apparatus comprising the following steps: initiating a periodic oscillation with the time-domain apparatus; measuring time intervals between trigger events during each oscillation, wherein the trigger events correspond to the oscillation passing known values; detecting a perturbation to the oscillation by monitoring changes in the time intervals between trigger events; and adjusting a parameter of the oscillation based on the perturbation such that measurement error is reduced. |
| US09128494B2 |
Apparatus and method for assessing volumetric moisture content and controlling an irrigator
An apparatus for assessing at least one property of a target soil responsive to a first a first microwave signal, constituted of: a detector; a probe arranged to be embedded in the target soil; and a coupler arranged to couple a first portion of the first microwave signal to the first end of the probe, and to couple a second portion of the generated first microwave signal as a microwave reference signal to a reference input of the detector; the detector arranged to square each of the microwave signal exiting the probe and the microwave reference signal and to output a phase difference signal indicative of the phase difference between the squared probe output microwave signal and the squared microwave reference signal; and a control circuitry coupled to the output of the detector and arranged to output an irrigation control signal responsive to the phase difference signal. |
| US09128493B2 |
Method and apparatus for plating solution analysis and control
A plating system comprises a plating solution and an apparatus for control of the plating solution, the apparatus including a Raman spectrometer for measurement of organic components, a visible light spectrometer for measurement of metallic components, and a pH probe. The plating solution can be sampled continuously or at intervals. Dosing of the plating solution adjusts for components consumed or lost in the plating process. The method of dosing is based on maintaining a desired composition of the plating solution. |
| US09128490B2 |
Butterfly valve for arrangement in a flow duct of an air-conditioning installation
The invention is a butterfly valve for a flow duct of an air-conditioning installation. The butterfly valve comprises two butterfly valve faces and is mounted for rotation about an axis. A device with at least two measurement points for determining the volume flow rate of a gaseous medium flowing in the flow duct is provided. In order to specify a butterfly valve, for example for a volume flow rate controller, which can determine a high differential pressure, even at very low volume flow rates, the butterfly valve comprises at least one hollow chamber on each of its two butterfly valve faces. Each hollow chamber has at least one recess, preferably with a multiplicity of recesses formed in the manner of a perforation. One measurement point is associated with one hollow chamber and the other measurement point is associated with the other hollow chamber. |
| US09128487B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning lines on a playing surface and associated methods, handle enhancements
An apparatus and method for clearing a playing surface are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a chassis or frame, a sensor connected to the chassis to sense a location of a line on a playing surface that needs to be cleaned, a drive connected to the chassis to drive the chassis in a selected direction of travel, and a handle to facilitate handling by a user. The apparatus also preferably includes a controller connected to the chassis, in communication with the drive, and responsive to the sensor to control the drive to thereby direct the chassis to move along the line that needs to be cleaned in the selected direction of travel and a cleaning device connected to the chassis to clean the line with the chassis is being driven along the line. Associated software is provided as well. |
| US09128485B1 |
Autonomous vehicle comprising extracorporeal blood treatment machine
An autonomous vehicle is provided that includes an autonomous vehicle control system, a dialysis machine, and an interface providing an electrical communication between the dialysis machine and the autonomous vehicle control system. The dialysis machine is configured to perform a dialysis treatment on a patient while the autonomous vehicle is under the control of the autonomous vehicle control system. A vehicle is also provided that includes a navigation system, a dialysis machine, and an interface between the navigation system and the dialysis machine. The vehicle can be a car, a train, a plane, or another vehicle. |
| US09128480B2 |
Safety controller and method for controlling an automated installation
A safety controller controls an automated installation on the basis of project data representing an individual application running. The safety controller has a plurality of controller hardware components. At least some controller hardware components have a respective project data memory. The project data memories each are designed to store project data supplied to them. The safety controller includes a connecting unit, such as a communication network, which connects the controller hardware components to one another. The safety controller also has a distribution unit for distributing at least some of the project data via the connecting unit to at least some of the project data memories. |
| US09128473B2 |
Arrangement for plasma processing system control based on RF voltage
An arrangement for controlling a plasma processing system is provided. The arrangement includes an RF sensing mechanism for obtaining an RF voltage signal. The arrangement also includes a high impedance arrangement coupled to the RF sensing mechanism to facilitate acquisition of the signal while reducing perturbation of RF power driving a plasma in the plasma processing system. The arrangement further includes a signal processing arrangement configured for receiving the signal, processing the signal in a digital domain to obtain peak voltage information for a fundamental frequency and a broadband frequency of the signal, deriving wafer bias information from the peak voltage information, and applying signal to a transfer function to obtain a transfer function output. The arrangement moreover includes an ESC power supply subsystem configured to receive the transfer function output as a feedback signal to control the plasma processing system. |
| US09128470B2 |
Electronic timepiece with built-in antenna
An electronic timepiece includes a tubular exterior case, a cover glass plate that blocks one of two openings of the exterior case, a ring-shaped antenna body provided along an inner circumference of the exterior case, a circuit substrate which is provided in a position below the antenna body when viewed from the cover glass plate and on which a shield pattern G is formed, and a GPS receiver that is so provided on the circuit substrate that the GPS receiver faces away from the antenna body with the shield pattern G being a boundary and amplifies and processes a signal received by the antenna body. |
| US09128469B2 |
Interactive device with time synchronization capability
An interactive device having time synchronization capability is provided. In one embodiment, the interactive device has a computer processor that stores an internal clock. The computer processor may be preprogrammed to generate announcements based on a particular time of the internal clock. A user may input and adjust the time of the internal clock. In another embodiment, a setup module is provided which includes a computer processor that stores a setup time. The setup module establishes a connection with an interactive device, and time synchronizes the interactive device such that the internal clock of the interactive device is running the same time as the setup module. The setup module is capable of synchronizing the internal clock of multiple interactive devices, despite the interactive devices being programmed on separate occasions. The interactive device may be synchronized by the setup module via a hard-wired connection or wireless means. |
| US09128467B2 |
Electronic instrument and electronic timepiece
An electronic instrument has a power unit configured to allow insertion of a cell and to supply an electric power output from the inserted cell, a charging unit configured to charge the cell inserted in the power unit, and a voltage detecting unit configured to detect a voltage value of the cell inserted in the power unit. A cell type determining unit is configured to determine that the cell inserted in the power unit is a secondary cell as a rechargeable battery when the voltage value detected by the voltage detecting unit is a value equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value and to determine that the cell inserted in the power unit is a primary cell as a non-rechargeable battery when the voltage value detected by the voltage detecting unit is larger than the predetermined threshold value. |
| US09128466B2 |
Correction device for functions displayed by a timepiece
The present invention relates to a correction device for changing the data of a plurality N of time-related functions displayed by a timepiece. It is characterized in that the device includes a pusher (1) for changing function, whose actuation moves a control wheel (2) and meshes said wheel with a corrector pinion (3, 4, 5) for the selected function, and a stem (7) whose rotation in one direction or the other pivots said control wheel (2), which in turn drives one of said corrector pinions (3, 4, 5) to correct the data of said selected function by adding or subtracting. |
| US09128464B2 |
Oscillators synchronised by an intermittent escapement
A timepiece including a first resonator oscillating at a first frequency and connected by a main gear train to a main energy source via a main escapement, a second resonator oscillating at a second frequency which is lower than the first frequency and cooperating with the main escapement in order to synchronize maintenance of the first resonator to the second frequency. |
| US09128461B2 |
Advanced methods of and apparatus for the manipulation of electromagnetic phenomenon: the decoding of genetic material and the human genome (E3)
An advanced method of and apparatus for manipulating electromagnetic spectra, which incorporates a bent tepee or bent pyramidal aligned array of conical or pyramidal inverted sections that have at least two intrinsic angles of differing values aligned co-axially. These are arranged to naturally produce a reference and object waves that impinges on and illuminate a holographic plate or recording means to produce on-axis or in-line transmission and reflection holograms, including real time display. The technology is also applicable to the detection, identification, and/or decoding of genetic material, specifically DNA and the Human Genome. |
| US09128456B2 |
Image forming apparatus having exposure unit moving mechanism
A cam member has each of a plurality of first exposure-side surfaces provided in association with a first contact part of each exposure units and each of a plurality of second exposure-side surfaces provided in association with each first contact part. Each first contact part confronts but separates from the corresponding first exposure-side surface when the corresponding exposure unit is disposed in an adjacent position where the exposure unit is capable of exposing the corresponding photosensitive drum. Each first contact part is in contact with the corresponding second exposure-side surface when the corresponding exposure unit is disposed in a retracted position positioned farther than the adjacent position from the photosensitive drum. |
| US09128455B2 |
Developing cartridge
A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller that is rotatable about a developing roller axis line, which extends in a predetermined direction; a supply roller, which is rotatable about a supply roller axis line, which extends in the predetermined direction, and which supplies developer to the developing roller; a developing roller driving gear that is connected to the developing roller; a supply roller driving gear that is connected to the supply roller; and a driving force transmission gear, which is rotatable about a gear axis line extending in the predetermined direction, and which includes: a first gear part meshed with the developing roller driving gear; and a second gear part meshed with the supply roller driving gear. The driving force transmission gear transmits driving force to the developing roller driving gear and the supply roller driving gear. |
| US09128454B2 |
Power transmission body mounting structure and toner transportation device
A gear mounting portion of a rotating shaft includes a shaft portion, with a D-shaped cross-section, engaged with a connecting portion of a gear having a D-shaped cross-section; the connection portion provided with a first hole portion; one flexible portion provided along the axial direction; and a retaining portion provided at a tip of the flexible portion. The retaining portion protrudes outwards with respect to the shaft portion, and the shaft portion is engaged with the connecting portion after the retaining portion has passed through a second hole portion of a hollow shaft. The flexible portion remains bent while the retaining portion passes through the second hole portion of the hollow shaft. Once the shaft portion engages with the first hole portion of the connecting portion, the flexible portion ceases to bend and engages with the gear. As a result, without damaging the rotating shaft, the gear is reliably prevented from coming free from the rotating shaft. |
| US09128449B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a heating body; first and second coils for induction heating that heat the heating body by an induction heating method; a first switching element connected to the first coil for induction heating; a second switching element connected to the second coil for induction heating; a driving signal transmission unit that sends a first drive signal to the first switching element and a second drive signal to the second switching element so that the first switching element and the second switching element operate at the same timing to apply a first input voltage to the first coil for induction heating and a second input voltage to the second coil for induction heating; and a voltage drop unit that steps down the first input voltage applied to the first coil for induction heating so that the first input voltage is lower than the second input voltage. |
| US09128448B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit, an apparatus main body, a nip pressure changing member, a driving source, and a clutch mechanism. The fixing unit includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a fixing nip forming mechanism. The fixing nip forming mechanism forms a fixing nip between the first rotating member and second rotating member. To the apparatus main body, the fixing unit is detachably installed. The nip pressure changing member presses the fixing nip forming mechanism and to change a pressure of the fixing nip by rotating around a rotation axis. The driving source rotates the nip pressure changing member. The clutch mechanism permits a transmission of a rotation from the driving source to the nip pressure changing member and restricts a transmission of a rotation from the nip pressure changing member to the driving source. |
| US09128446B2 |
Printing apparatus and method for controlling the same
A control method for controlling a printing apparatus includes printing an image on a sheet; receiving the printed sheet subjected to post-processing; controlling, in a case where the printed sheet subjected to post-processing is to be received in a first orientation, to perform post-processing to the received printed sheet without reversing the printed sheet, and, controlling, in a case where the printed sheet subjected to post-processing is to be received in a second orientation, to perform post-processing to the received printed sheet after reversing the printed sheet; and displaying, in a case where the printed sheet subjected to post-processing is to be received in the second orientation and a type of the sheet subjected to image printing and post-processing is of a type unsuitable for reversal, a screen for changing the type of the sheet to be used for printing and post-processing. |
| US09128437B2 |
Image recording apparatus and computer readable medium
A recording unit configured to record an image on a recording medium, medium storages storing same-sized recording media, a conveyance mechanism configured to selectively convey the recording media stored in the medium storages to the recording unit, and a maintenance mechanism are provided. When, at the start of a maintenance period in which the maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the maintenance mechanism, the number of recording media stored in the sender medium storage is smaller than the number of recording media required to record all remaining images onto recording media in accordance with image data and, among the medium storages, there is at least one predetermined remaining number medium storage which is a medium storage storing more recording media than the sender medium storage, one of the at least one of predetermined remaining number medium storage is selected as the sender medium storage, during the maintenance period. |
| US09128434B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressure rotating body, a nip member, a supporting member, a heating source, a heat conducting member and a reflecting member. The pressure rotating body is rotatably arranged outside the fixing belt to come into pressure contact with the fixing belt to form a fixing nip. The nip member is arranged inside the fixing belt to press the fixing belt toward the pressure rotating body. The supporting member supports the nip member. The heating source is arranged inside the fixing belt to emit radiant heat. The heat conducting member is supported by the supporting member in a cantilevered state to come into contact with an inner circumference face of the fixing belt and to absorb the radiant heat. The reflecting member reflects the radiant heat toward the heat conducting member and at least partially comes into contact with the heat conducting member. |
| US09128430B2 |
Image forming apparatus using power control to select power levels based on temperature
One disclosed aspect of the embodiments relates to power control of a heater in a fixing unit. A plurality of control tables having different ratios of phase control waveforms and wave number control waveforms in one control cycle have been set, and a control table is selected depending on a set target temperature. |
| US09128427B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: a rotatable heating member for heating a toner image formed on a recording material by using a toner containing a parting agent; an exciting coil for causing the rotatable heating member to generate heat by electromagnetic induction heating; a magnetic flux suppressing member for suppressing a part of magnetic flux acting from the exciting coil onto the rotatable heating member; a moving mechanism for moving the magnetic flux suppressing member depending on a width size of the recording material; a motor for operating the moving mechanism; and an executing portion capable of selectively executing an operation in a first mode in which a first current is supplied to the motor and an operation in a second mode in which a second current larger than the first current is supplied to the motor. |
| US09128420B2 |
Belt unit and image forming apparatus
A belt unit is provided with an endless belt, a driving roller, and a pair of guide ribs. The driving roller is disposed on an inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt and drives the endless belt. The pair of guide ribs is placed on each opposite widthwise end of the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt and contacts both end faces of the driving roller, thus preventing meandering of the endless belt. Additionally, the driving roller is equipped with a low friction region at both opposite lengthwise ends in a predetermined width and the low friction region is configured to have a friction coefficient that is lower than a friction coefficient of a region adjacent to the low friction region. |
| US09128419B2 |
System and method for applying liquid toner to a developing member in a digital printer
A system for applying liquid toner to a developing member in a digital printer. The system includes a reservoir for storing liquid toner, a feed member and a developing member. The feed member is arranged to rotate to transfer liquid toner from the reservoir to the developing member. The system includes a feed assist member. The feed member is arranged for rotating in contact with the feed assist member and making contact with the feed assist member along a contact area which is located, when the system is operational, in the liquid toner in the reservoir. The feed assist member is provided with a compressible contact portion arranged for being compressed in the contact area between the feed member and the feed assist member. |
| US09128410B2 |
Waterproof connector
A waterproof connector includes a housing on which an opening is formed, and in which terminals connected with electric wires are housed; a mat seal which is installed into the opening of the housing, and through which the wires are inserted; a mat seal holder which is engaged with the opening of the housing by an engagement structure to prevent the mat seal from dropping off from the housing, and through which the wires are inserted; and an engagement strengthening portion which is provided on one of the housing and the mat seal holder and configured to strengthen an engagement of the engagement structure. According to the waterproof connector, retention of the mat seal in the housing can be improved. |
| US09128402B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of effectively preventing image density fluctuation
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including rotary members to form a toner image corresponding to image data, in which the image forming unit forms a toner pattern for detecting image density fluctuation; and an image forming condition determination controller to perform image forming processing to ultimately transfer the toner image onto a recording medium. In the image forming apparatus, the controller measures a periodic image density fluctuation occurring in a rotation cycle of the rotary members based on a detection result of a toner pattern; performs image forming condition determination processing to determine an image forming condition to reduce the image density fluctuation based on measured image density fluctuation data; and determines whether or not the image density fluctuation data measured multiple times satisfies a predetermined control termination condition. |
| US09128397B2 |
Resin for use in toner, toner using the resin, developer using the toner, image forming apparatus and method using the toner, and method of manufacturing resin
A resin for use in toner is provided. The resin comprises an oligomer segment and a soft segment. The oligomer segment comprises a polyhydroxycarboxylic skeleton and an aromatic diol skeleton. |
| US09128396B2 |
Chemical binding of renewable oils to polyester emulsion
Methods for making toner particles comprising a polyester-wax resin, wherein the polyester-wax resin includes a bio-based oil that is chemically incorporated into the main chain of the polyester resin. The toner particles may be formed using emulsion aggregation methods. A toner formed from the toner particles may be used in low-oil or oil-less fusing systems. |
| US09128395B2 |
Hybrid emulsion aggregate toner
Toners and processes useful in providing toners suitable for electrophotographic apparatuses, including apparatuses such as digital, image-on-image, and similar apparatuses. In particular, emulsion aggregate toner compositions that use two different emulsion aggregation (EA) technologies and which comprise a base resin composed of both styrene-acrylate and polyester resins. These toner compositions further include polyaluminum chloride (PAC) instead of the more commonly used aluminum sulfate as the flocculant or aggregating agent. |
| US09128394B2 |
Electrophotographic toner and method for producing the same
An electrophotographic toner produced by mixing a dispersion of colorant particles containing a colorant and a dispersion of release agent particles containing a release agent and having a volume average particle diameter smaller than that of the colorant particles, aggregating the colorant particles and the release agent particles in the dispersion to produce first aggregates, mixing a dispersion of resin particles containing a binder resin and having a volume average particle diameter smaller than that of the release agent particles in the dispersion containing the first aggregates, and aggregating the first aggregates and the resin particles in the dispersion of the first aggregates and the resin particles to coat the first aggregates with the resin particles, producing second aggregates. |
| US09128393B2 |
Triphenylamine derivative, and charge transport material and electrophotographic photoreceptor using the same
Disclosed is a triphenylamine derivative represented by general formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and m represents an integer of 1 to 3. |
| US09128389B2 |
Method for modifying a polarization distribution in microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, and microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The disclosure relates to a method for modifying a polarization distribution in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, and to a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. The projection exposure apparatus has an illumination device and a projection objective. The illumination device has an optical axis and a correction arrangement having a lambda/4 plate arranged rotatably about the optical axis and/or a lambda/2 plate arranged rotatably about the optical axis. The method includes determining a polarization distribution in a predetermined plane of the projection exposure apparatus, and rotating the lambda/4 plate and/or the lambda/2 plate about the optical axis so that a local variation of the polarization distribution is reduced after rotation in comparison with the state before the rotating. |
| US09128388B2 |
Method of focus measurement, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of focus measurement of the embodiment irradiates exposure light from a first direction and projects first and second line-and-space patterns on a substrate. Further, exposure light is irradiated from a second direction and third and fourth line-and-space patterns are projected on the substrate. By measuring a distance between the first and third line-and-space patterns on the substrate, a sum of a dislocated amount caused by dislocation of focus and an overlap dislocation amount between the first and third line-and-space patterns is calculated as a first dislocated amount. Further, by measuring a distance between the second and fourth line-and-space patterns on the substrate, an overlap dislocation amount between the second and fourth line-and-space patterns is calculated as a second dislocation amount. Further, based on the first and second dislocation amounts, the focus dislocation amount is calculated. |
| US09128387B2 |
Ultraviolet light emitting diode array light source for photolithography and method
A light source includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an LED phase shift controller coupled to the plurality of UV LEDs adapted to control the phase shift of each UV LED in the plurality of UV LEDs. The plurality of UV LEDs forms a UV LED array. An ultraviolet lithography system can include a light source as described above. The system can further include a mirror assembly in a light path of the light source, the mirror assembly having a polarization mirror with an interference coating. A method provides a light source for an ultraviolet lithography system including the element of providing an plurality of UV LEDs that emit UV light and the element of controlling a phase shift of the plurality of UV LEDs with an LED phase shift controller coupled to each UV LED or arrays of the UV LEDs in the plurality of UV LEDs. |
| US09128386B2 |
Apparatus of photolithography process to liquid display panel and method thereof
The present invention discloses an apparatus of photolithography process to a liquid display panel, comprising: a platform, employed for loading the liquid display panel; a power supplying device, employed for supplying power to the liquid display panel; an ultraviolet light source supply device, employed for providing the ultraviolet light; a light distributing plate, employed for homogenizing the ultraviolet light. The present invention also discloses a method of photolithography process to a liquid display panel. The monomer can plenty reacts without damaging liquid crystal molecules according to the present invention. |
| US09128383B2 |
Sub-resolution assist devices and methods
Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate. |
| US09128380B2 |
Method and system for nanopatterning
A method of performing nanopatterning is disclosed, comprising the use of a system comprising a plasmonic writing head that enables super-resolution exposures. The super-resolution exposures are carried out using light directed onto a data recording medium using plasmonic structures, and in particular using plasmonic structures having specially designed super-resolution apertures, of which the “bow-tie” and “C-aperture” are examples. These specially designed apertures create small but bright images in the near-field transmission pattern. In one embodiment, a writing head comprising an array of these apertures is held in close proximity to a data recording medium. A data processing system is provided to re-interpret the data to be patterned into a set of modulation signals used to drive the multiple individual channels and the multiple exposures. |
| US09128379B2 |
Photolithographic methods
Provided are photoresist overcoat compositions, substrates coated with the overcoat compositions and methods of forming electronic devices by a negative tone development process. The compositions, coated substrates and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
| US09128377B2 |
Method for forming graphene pattern
There is provided a method for forming a graphene pattern, in which a graphene thin film layer is transferred onto a surface of a photosensitive film, and then patterned through exposure/development of the photosensitive film. The photosensitive film is cured after being finally developed, thereby securing stability and reliability. |
| US09128375B2 |
Resin composition for masks
The present invention provides a resin composition for resist to be efficiently formed into a cured product with high properties of crack resistance, bulge resistance, protrusion resistance, and the like for filling a through-hole, a via hole, or the like with the cured product. The resin composition for masks in accordance with the present invention contains a first resin and a second resin. The first resin is prepared by an addition reaction of polybasic acid anhydride with an adduct of an ethylenically unsaturated compound having a carboxyl group and bifunctional epoxy resin. The second resin having; a group obtained by an addition reaction of an epoxy group with monocarboxylic acid; and a group obtained by addition reaction of an epoxy group with polybasic acid. |
| US09128373B2 |
Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition includes; (A) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, (B) an acid generator having an acid-labile group; and (D) a compound represented by the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 in each occurrence independently represent a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, a C1 to C6 alkoxyl group, a C2 to C7 acyl group, a C2 to C7 acyloxy group, a C2 to C7 alkoxycarbonyl group, a nitro group or a halogen atom; m and n independently represent an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US09128370B2 |
Radiation-sensitive composition and compound
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a photoacid generator represented by a general formula (1), and a solvent. Each R0 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent organic group. R1 represents a fluorine atom or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent organic group. R2 represents a fluorine atom or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent organic group. Rf represents a fluoromethylene group or a divalent fluoroalkylene group. M+ represents a monovalent onium cation. Optionally R1 bonds to Rf or R2 to form a cyclic structure. |
| US09128368B2 |
Radiation image capturing apparatus and radiation image capturing system
If a control unit of a radiation image capturing apparatus acquires dark image data before photographing and at the same time detects initiation of irradiation of radiation based on image data read out by carrying out a readout process of the image data, the control unit applies off-voltage to all the scanning lines and shifts to an electric charge accumulation mode, and after the irradiation is over, sequentially applies on-voltage to each of the scanning lines, causes the scanning lines to carry out readout process of main image data from each of radiation detection elements, and subsequently acquires offset data in a condition where radiation is not irradiated to correct the main image data read out by the photographing or main image data read out by a photographing carried out after the former photographing based on offset lag part calculated from the offset data and the dark image data. |
| US09128367B2 |
3D imaging device and 3D imaging method
A 3D imaging device obtains a 3D image (3D video) that achieves an appropriate 3D effect and/or intended placement. The 3D imaging device estimates (calculates) an ideal disparity of a main subject based on a preset viewing environment (display condition) and a distance to the main subject, and obtains a disparity (an actual disparity) of the subject (main subject) actually occurring on a virtual screen. The 3D imaging device obtains a correction disparity using the ideal disparity and the actual disparity, and adds the calculated correction disparity to the 3D image (horizontally shifts the image) to perform appropriate disparity correction. The 3D imaging device obtains a 3D image (3D video) that achieves an appropriate 3D effect and/or intended placement without being affected by a disparity occurring in the horizontal direction caused by insufficient precision (in particular, insufficient optical precision). |
| US09128361B2 |
Liquid-cooling device and projector
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a projector comprises an optical element holding member that allows a flow of a cooling liquid therein. A plurality of liquid circulation members connect the optical element holding member and a liquid pumping unit and to define a flow channel of the cooling liquid. A heat-receiving jacket is disposed in the flow channel and has a plurality of flow channels. A thermoelectric conversion element having a heat-absorbing surface is connected to the heat-receiving jacket and a heat-radiating surface is connected to a heat transfer member. A supporting member fixes the heat-receiving jacket and the heat transfer member. A baffle member defines an internal space with the supporting member and houses the heat transfer member in the internal space. A cooling fan provides cooling air to the heat transfer member disposed in the internal space. |
| US09128359B2 |
Electronic device and image projection apparatus
An electronic device includes a speaker; a speaker holder that holds the speaker; a main unit on which the speaker holder is mounted; a first mounting part formed on the speaker; a second mounting part formed on the speaker holder; a first elastic part that engages with both the first and second mounting parts; a third mounting part formed on the speaker holder; a fourth mounting part formed on the main unit; and a second elastic part that engages with both the third and fourth mounting parts. The speaker and the main unit are provided in such a manner as not to come into contact with each other under the condition that the first and second mounting parts engage with the first elastic part, and the third and fourth mounting parts engage with the second elastic part. |
| US09128357B2 |
Vehicular projection system projecting on multiple screens
A vehicular projection system including a projection apparatus, a beam splitting module, and two projection screens is provided. The projection apparatus provides at least one image light beam. The beam splitting module divides the image light beam into a first image light beam and a second image light beam. The two projection screens receive the first image light beam and the second image light beam respectively. Each of the first image light beam and the second image light beam respectively forms an image on one of the two projection screens corresponding thereto. |
| US09128355B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a camera body; and a flash device provided in the camera body and configured to be popped up from the camera body. The flash device includes a light emitter configured to emit light, a capacitor configured to store charge, an electric circuit configured to control the light emitter and the capacitor, a first electric wire configured to electrically connect the light emitter and the capacitor, and a second electric wire configured to electrically connect the capacitor and the electric circuit. The light emitter, the capacitor, the electric circuit, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire move integrally when the flash device is popped up. |
| US09128351B2 |
Shutter apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A shutter apparatus includes a blade member, a blade moving member, a locking member, a cam member, and a restriction member. The cam member moves the locking member from the locking position to the non-locking position so that the blade moving member moves from the closing position to the opening position. The restriction member moves from the non-restriction position to the restriction position after the blade moving member moves from the closing position to the opening position. The cam member moves the locking member in a direction opposite to a direction from the non-locking position to the locking position so that the locking member moves the restriction member from the restriction position to the non-restriction position. |
| US09128345B2 |
Electrochromic device having an improved fill port plug
An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state. |
| US09128334B1 |
Liquid crystal display panel and display apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a display apparatus using the same. The LCD panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer and quarter wave (λ/4) pattern retarder films. The second electrode of the second substrate comprises first sub-pixels and second sub-pixels. When images are displayed by the pixels, a voltage difference between a first voltage of the first sub-pixels and a second voltage of the second sub-pixels is inversely proportional to a grayscale of the images displayed by the pixels. The present invention can mitigate the viewing angle problem of the pixels. |
| US09128331B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A first substrate includes a first insulating substrate. A first organic insulating film is arranged on the first substrate in a circumference area outside an active area. The first organic insulating film includes a first surface and a first concave portion in the circumference area. A second substrate includes a second insulating substrate. A circumference color filter is laminated on a circumference shield layer and includes a second concave portion arranged facing the first concave portion. The second concave portion spreads toward the first substrate. A second organic insulating film covers the circumference color filter and includes a second surface and a third concave portion covering the second concave portion. A seal material is arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first concave portion and the third concave portion to attach the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US09128325B2 |
Display device with a ground electrode physically contacting a receptacle made of an insulating material
A display device has light sources located in a receptacle, where a lower interior walls part of the receptacle is formed of an electrically insulating material. The device includes a vertically extending grounding electrode extending to and physically affixed at one end to the interior walls part of the receptacle. This allows the light sources to be easily grounded by means of the grounding electrode. |
| US09128321B2 |
Polarizing plate and TN-type liquid crystal display including the same
The object of the present invention is to reduce the occurrence of the light leaks from the periphery of the display flame at the originally black display time in high-temperature environments. Disclosed is a polarizing plate comprising a polarizer, a protective film on a side of the polarizer and a retardation film on the other side of the polarizer; wherein the polarizer has an absorption axis at 45° from any one of the long and short sides of the polarizing plate, the retardation film has an in-plane slow axis parallel or orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer, and a difference Δε′abs in a dimensional change between the polarizing plate and the retardation film in the absorption axis direction of the polarizer satisfies the formula: |Δε′abs|≦0.10%. |
| US09128320B2 |
Three-dimensional display and three dimensional display system
A three-dimensional display including a display and a micro-lens is provided. The display has a plurality of pixel units thereon, and each pixel unit has a pixel pitch i. The micro-lens is disposed at a side of the display, the micro-lens has a plurality of lens units thereon, and each lens unit has a lens pitch l. A right eye viewing zone and a left eye viewing zone are formed if an image displayed from the display passes though the micro-lens, wherein a distance between the center of the right eye viewing zone and the center of the left eye viewing zone is wz, and lens pitch l satisfies: 2 i > l ≥ 2 i × w z w z + i , wz is between 70 and 500 mm and i is between 0.1 and 500 μm. |
| US09128319B2 |
Color filter substrate and transflective liquid crystal display device
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a Color filter substrate and a transflective liquid crystal display device. The color filter substrate comprises: a base substrate; a plurality of pixel regions each of which is divided into a transmissive region and a reflective region and comprises a color filter formed on the base substrate, wherein, the boundary region of each pixel region adjacent to a neighboring pixel region comprises at least one light hole which corresponds to the reflective region of the pixel region where it is located. |
| US09128318B2 |
Display device
There is provided a display device in which the thickness of a transparent board and an attaching member is reduced while the strength thereof is ensured. The display device includes a display panel, a transparent board having a panel installation region in which the display panel is provided, and an outer frame region surrounding the panel installation region, and an attaching member having a fixing portion bonded to the transparent board in the outer frame region, and an outer-side raised portion raised from a side of the fixing portion, the side being adjacent to an outline of the transparent board. |
| US09128316B2 |
Portable electronic device
A dust-proof frame 30 includes a front frame portion 32 located on the outer periphery of the front surface of a display panel unit 20. The dust-proof frame 30 includes a convex portion 31 that projects from the front frame portion 32 toward the inner surface of a housing 10. A gap G1 is located in a pressing direction of the inner surface of the housing 10 with respect to the convex portion 31 and extends along the convex portion 31 is provided in the dust-proof frame 30. According to the above structure, the function of the dust-proof frame 30 can be improved. |
| US09128310B2 |
Advanced modulation format using two-state modulators
A method, comprising modulating digital data onto an optical carrier. Modulating includes intensity splitting the optical carrier in an input optical coupler of an interferometer. The interferometer including two or more controllable optical waveguides located on a substrate, each controllable optical waveguide connecting the input optical coupler to an output optical coupler of the interferometer and having a two-state modulator along a segment thereof. Modulating include optically modulating separate data streams onto each of the optical carriers produced by the splitting. The two or more controllable optical waveguides are connected to transmit an output to the output optical coupler, substantially different light amplitudes and/or phases when the two-state modulators of the two or more controllable optical waveguides are in different states, as driven by the data streams having different information content. The two or more controllable optical waveguides are configured to modulate the light amplitudes and/or phases in a substantially same manner when the two-state modulators are in identical states. |
| US09128309B1 |
Plural EAM device with optimized waveguide profile
An electroabsorption device includes an optical waveguide having an input portion with a first optical confinement characteristic. A first electroabsorption region is formed along the optical waveguide having a first optimized optical mode confinement characteristic. A second electroabsorption region is formed along the optical waveguide having a second optimized optical mode confinement characteristic independent of the first optimized optical mode confinement characteristic. The first optimized optical mode confinement characteristic is defined independently of the second optimized optical mode confinement characteristic. |
| US09128301B2 |
Assembly structure for subsidiary frame of eyeglasses
An assembly structure for subsidiary frame of eyeglasses is provided. A nose pad bracket provided on an eyeglasses major body has an engaging portion having female snap-fit portions provided at both sides thereof to fit with male snap-fit portions on the subsidiary frame. Further, an abutting segment is extended from the surface of a recessed portion on the subsidiary frame in such a manner as to fit with a recessed groove provided on a protruding portion of a nose bridge section of the subsidiary frame. Therefore, one side of the subsidiary frame is pressed against the lenses of the eyeglasses major body and the other side is firmly abutted with the protruding portion, so as to achieve firm positioning of the subsidiary frame and to protect the subsidiary frame from fall off in using. |
| US09128298B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus, display system, driving method, driving apparatus, display controlling method, display controlling apparatus, program, and computer-readable recording medium
A three-dimensional image display apparatus polarizes light to be emitted from a first pixels into light having a first polarization characteristic and polarizes light to be emitted from second pixels into light having a second polarization characteristic. The three-dimensional image display apparatus, sets luminance of at least one of luminance of a left-eye image or luminance of a right-eye image such that the luminance of a predefined first image of the left-eye image or the right-eye image is higher than the luminance of a second image of the images. The three-dimensional image display apparatus causes the first pixels to render the first image at the set luminance on a screen and causes the second pixels to render the second image at the set luminance on the screen. |
| US09128297B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope including a bending portion in an insertion portion comprises multiple pulling members, an operation device, a driving force transfer mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The multiple pulling members are mounted on the bending portion. The operation device generates a driving force for pulling the pulling members in conjunction with a turning operation. The bending portion is bent by the operation device between an approximately straight state and a bending state. The driving force transfer mechanism transfers the driving force generated in conjunction with the turning operation of the operation device to the pulling members. The biasing mechanism provides the driving force transfer mechanism with a biasing force for turning the operation device in a reverse direction to the turning operation direction in a state where the bending portion is bent by turning the operation device. |
| US09128294B2 |
Display device comprising a liquid crystal lens panel wherein liquid crystal material is driven in a twisted nematic mode on stripe electrodes
A liquid crystal material is driven in a twisted nematic mode so that while liquid crystal molecules lose, on a stripe electrode, rotary power toward a direction along an electric field by a voltage applied between the stripe electrode and a second electrode and form, in a region between the adjacent stripe electrodes, refractive index distribution of a lenticular lens that includes a cylindrical lens in which a cylindrical axis is arranged in a first direction. The cylindrical lens faces at least two rows of pixels, and has an effective refractive index for causing light from the at least two rows of pixels to advance in separating directions from each other after emission from a second polarizing plate. A distance d of a cell gap and an interval s between the adjacent stripe electrodes satisfy the relation of 3.5≦s/d≦7. |
| US09128290B2 |
Apparatus and method for combining lane information with a far-infrared night vision image
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for combining lane information with a far-infrared image, by combining an image taken by a far-infrared image capturing device with a lane information image, and displaying the combined image such that a driver can visualize the location and position of the road lanes on a night vision image that allows visualization of objects such as, for example, animals, people, vehicles, and the like, in the road at night, or in inclement weather conditions, thereby ensuring safe driving while preventing the driver from veering out of a road lane. |
| US09128282B2 |
Head-mounted display device and control method for the head-mounted display device
A head-mounted display device includes: an image-light generating unit for right eye that generates image light from image data for right eye and emits the image light; an image-light generating unit for left eye that generates image light from image data for left eye and the image light; a light guide units that guide the emitted image lights to the left and right eyes of the user; and a display control unit that transmits control signals for controlling the emission of the image lights respectively to the image-light generating unit for right eye and the image-light generating unit for left eye. The display control unit transitions, according to a condition set in advance, the head-mounted display device to a power saving state for causing one of the image-light generating unit for right eye and the image-light generating unit for left eye to stop the emission of the image light. |
| US09128279B2 |
Wavelength-tunable interference filter, optical module, and optical analysis apparatus
A wavelength-tunable interference filter comprising a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a first reflective film provided on the first substrate, a second reflective film provided on the second substrate, the second reflective film facing the first reflective film, a first electrode provided on the first substrate, and a second electrode provided on the second substrate, the second electrode facing the first electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, the first electrode layer has a first in-plane internal stress which is compressive, and the second electrode layer has a second in-plane internal stress which is tensile. |
| US09128275B2 |
Variable magnification optical system and imaging apparatus
A variable magnification optical system includes a negative first lens group, a stop, and a positive second lens group. The distance in an optical axis direction between the first and the second lens groups is reduced when magnification is changed from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. The stop is fixed with respect to an image plane when magnification is changed, and the first lens group includes a positive lens, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface on the object side in order from the object side. The optical system satisfies predetermined conditional expressions with respect to the average Abbe number of the positive lens and the positive meniscus lens of the first lens group at the d-line, and the focal length of the entire system at the wide angle end and the focal length of the negative lens. |
| US09128272B2 |
Optical system for imaging an object
An optical system for imaging an object on an image acquisition unit. The optical system, from the object, comprises a first lens unit, a second lens unit, a third lens unit and a fourth lens unit in the direction of the image acquisition unit. The first lens unit comprises at least one lens group with negative refractive power. The second lens unit comprises at least one lens group with positive refractive power and the third lens unit comprises at least one lens group with negative refractive power. The second lens unit and the third lens unit overall comprise at least three lens groups. From the first lens unit in the direction of an image acquisition unit, the first lens group, the second lens group and then the third lens group are arranged. The three lens groups have a movable design for adjusting the focal length of the optical system. |
| US09128271B2 |
Super wide angle lens and imaging apparatus using it
A super wide angle lens substantially consists of a positive first lens group in which a positive first lens, a negative second lens, a negative third lens, a negative fourth lens, a positive fifth lens, a sixth lens unit that is a cemented lens, a seventh lens, an aperture stop, and an eighth lens unit that is a cemented lens are arranged in this order from an object side, a second lens group in which a first lens unit that is a positive single lens or a cemented lens and a second lens unit that is a cemented lens are arranged in this order from the object side, and a third lens group including a positive lens. The super wide angle lens is structured in such a manner to satisfy conditional formula (1): 0.8<(T16+T17)/f<2.5. |
| US09128270B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the imaging lens
An imaging lens consists of seven lenses of a first lens that has positive refractive power in the vicinity of an optical axis and a convex surface facing an object side in the vicinity of the optical axis, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens having a concave surface facing an image side in the vicinity of the optical axis, and at least one of the surfaces of which includes an inflection point, and both of the surfaces of which are aspherical, which are in this order from the object side. Further, each of the first lens through the seventh lens is a single lens. |
| US09128269B1 |
Lens array
A lens array includes a plurality of micro-lens modules. Each of the micro-lens modules includes a first lens group and a second lens group. The first lens group and the second lens group are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. An effective focal length (EFL) of the first lens group is f1, an EFL of the second lens group is f2, and the micro-lens modules satisfy a following condition: −0.2 |
| US09128265B2 |
Lens assembly and optical system including the same
Provided are a lens assembly and an optical system including the same. The lens assembly may include a first lens having a groove region, a second lens having an insertion region that is inserted into the groove region, and a light blocking member between the first lens and the second lens. The light blocking member may be disposed between a first surface portion of the first lens and a second surface portion of the second lens, and the light blocking member may be separated from at least one of the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The lens assembly may further include at least one additional lens. The lens assembly may be applied to various optical systems. |
| US09128264B2 |
Image capturing lens assembly and image capturing device
An image capturing lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element has refractive power. The fifth lens element with refractive power has two surfaces being both aspheric, wherein at least one of the surfaces of the fifth lens element has at least one inflection point thereon. The sixth lens element with positive refractive power has an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof, wherein the surfaces of the sixth lens element are both aspheric. |
| US09128245B2 |
Low cost, fast curing optical fiber coatings
A low cost composition that cures rapidly and which is suitable for coating an optical fiber comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; at least one photoinitiator; and at least one non-radiation-curable polar polymer having pendent groups that facilitate low energy chemical bonding, hydrogen bonding, dipolar interactions or other interactions with radical compounds formed during polymerization of the monomer. The non-radiation-curable polar polymer(s) are inexpensive and reduce and/or eliminate the need for expensive urethane acrylate oligomers, without sacrificing properties, and while achieving rapid cure speeds. |
| US09128244B2 |
Method and device for transforming an image
A system and method for visually transforming an electronic image is provided. The electronic image may be displayed on a high-definition flat display screen and manipulated to appear as a work of art via a layered material. Embodiments include processing the electronic image to provide an electronically pre-filtered image, displaying the pre-filtered image on a display screen, and physically filtering the displayed, pre-filtered image with the layered material to reduce light emission, add texturing, and enhance the passage of a wavelength of light. |
| US09128236B2 |
Optical fiber
An inexpensive low-attenuation optical fiber 1 suitable for use as an optical transmission line in an optical access network is a silica based glass optical fiber and includes a core 11 including the center axis, an optical cladding 12 surrounding the core, and a jacket 13 surrounding the optical cladding. The core contains GeO2 and has a relative refractive index difference Δcore, based on the optical cladding, greater than or equal to 0.35% and less than or equal to 0.50% and has a refractive index volume v greater than or equal to 0.045 μm2 and less than or equal to 0.095 μm2. The jacket has a relative refractive index difference ΔJ greater than or equal to 0.03% and less than or equal to 0.20%. Glass constituting the core has a fictive temperature higher than or equal to 1400° C. and lower than or equal to 1590° C. Residual stress in the core is compressive stress that has an absolute value greater than or equal to 5 MPa. |
| US09128234B2 |
Multi-core optical fiber and optical transmission system
A multi-core optical fiber includes a plurality of core portions, and a cladding portion positioned at outer peripheries of the plurality of core portions, the cladding portion having a refractive index lower than a maximum refractive index of each of the core portions, in which each of the core portions propagates light only with predetermined number, which is equal to or greater than 2, of propagation modes, and an effective core area at wavelength of 1550 nm of each of the propagation modes is equal to or greater than 120 μm2. |
| US09128229B2 |
Backlight device and liquid display device including the same
A backlight device includes a light guide plate including a plurality of edges and a light source bar. At least one of the plurality of edges includes a depression, the light source bar is positioned within the depression and includes a plurality of light sources, and the plurality of light sources emit light in different directions. |
| US09128228B2 |
Optical arrangements for use with an array camera
A variety of optical arrangements and methods of modifying or enhancing the optical characteristics and functionality of these optical arrangements are provided. The optical arrangements being specifically designed to operate with camera arrays that incorporate an imaging device that is formed of a plurality of imagers that each include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. |
| US09128224B2 |
Surface light source device
A surface light source device has a light source, and a light guide plate introducing light of the light source from a light incidence surface and emitting the light from a light exit surface to outside. The light source being is provided at a position facing the light incidence surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light introducing part for enclosing the light from the light source entering from the light incidence surface and a light guide plate main body having a thickness smaller than a maximum thickness of the light introducing part, provided so as to be continued to the light introducing part, and emitting the enclosed light from the light exit surface by light emitting portion to outside. |
| US09128223B2 |
Method of aligning and assembling an image capturing module
An image capturing module includes an image sensing unit and an actuator unit. The image sensing unit includes a circuit substrate and an image sensing chip disposed on the circuit substrate. The actuator unit includes a housing frame disposed on the circuit substrate and a movable lens assembly movably disposed inside the housing frame. The image sensing chip includes an image sensing area having a first geometric center line and a first geometric center point, and the movable lens assembly has a second geometric center line and a second geometric center point. Whereby, when the predetermined energy is provided for the actuator unit to shift the movable lens assembly, the second geometric center line (or the second geometric center point) of the movable lens assembly can be accurately aligned with the first geometric center line (or the first geometric center point) of the image sensing area. |
| US09128220B2 |
Light guide body with continuously variable refractive index, and devices using such body
A light guiding element has a first principal surface, a second principal surface which opposes the first principal surface, a first lateral surface which intersects with the first principal surface and the second principal surface, and a second lateral surface which opposes the first lateral surface. The light guiding element allows light incoming from the first lateral surface to propagate between the first principal surface and the second principal surface. The light guiding element includes a portion in which a refractive index varies substantially continuously from the first principal surface toward the second principal surface. |
| US09128216B2 |
Lighting device
The disclosed embodiments relate to functional and decorative lighting. A transparent body (100) comprises a plurality of light guides (130, 140) forming a matrix. Light is emitted from light sources (210, 220). In the cells of the matrix in which light from different light sources (210, 220) intersects, the light is mixed which results in different cells having different colors. |
| US09128210B2 |
Method to characterize shales at high spatial resolution
Apparatus and methods of characterizing a subterranean formation sample including collecting a sample from a formation, and analyzing the formation to obtain an image with 100 nm or less resolution, wherein the analyzing comprises atomic force microscopy (AFM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermal analysis. Kerogen maturity, mineralogy, kerogen content, mechanical properties, and transition temperatures—including registered maps of those quantities—may be obtained in 5 minutes or less. Some embodiments may use a scanning electron microscope. |
| US09128209B2 |
Method and device for separating seismic signals from seismic sources
System and method for actuating first and second marine acoustic sources in a firing sequence, the firing sequence including at least a first actuation of the first source followed by a first actuation of the second source followed by a second actuation of the first source and a second actuation of the second source. The method includes towing the first source at a depth in water substantially equal to a depth of the second source; establishing a series of reference time instants; actuating the first source with a variable first time delay relative to the series of reference time instants; and actuating the second source with a variable second time delay relative to the series of reference time instants such that time intervals between consecutive activations of the first and second sources are also variable. |
| US09128206B2 |
Removing noise from a seismic measurement
A technique includes decomposing a signal that is derived from a seismic acquisition into a plurality of signals such that each signal is associated with a different frequency band. For each signal of the plurality of signals, the technique includes performing the following: decomposing the signal into subbands in successive stages, where the subbands are associated with at least different frequency ranges of the signal; selectively applying adaptive noise attenuation in between the successive stages such that the stages decompose noise-attenuated subbands; and reconstructing the signal from the subbands resulting from the decomposition. The technique includes combining the reconstructed signals. |
| US09128205B2 |
Process for creating image gathers
The process of obtaining seismic data includes deploying a seismic energy source and seismic receivers, actuating the source, and detecting seismic energy resulting therefrom at the receivers. The process further includes digitally sampling seismic energy detected at the receivers indexed with respect to time to form a plurality of traces and sorting the traces to form a plurality of shot gathers. In addition, the process includes applying a depth migration technique to the shot gathers to generate two images according to the cross-correlation imaging condition (I0) and the gradient-based imaging condition (I1) for each shot gather. A reflection angle (θ) or a general domain parameter (α) is computed at each subsurface position and the images are mapped according to the corresponding reflection angle or the general domain parameter to form common image gathers. Amplitude correction is applied to common image gathers and the images and common image gathers are stored on non-transitory computer-readable media. |
| US09128200B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a particular material in an object by means of electromagnetic radiation
A method and apparatus is provided for detection of a particular material in an object, in particular in an item of luggage, by means of electromagnetic radiation in which the intensities of non-absorbed radiation from at least three radiation planes are measured and evaluated in associated detector apparatus, wherein an image is produced, initially from the intensities of the non-absorbed radiation, and then if single regions of low complexity are found which are characterized by approximately constant intensities, an estimation of the attenuation coefficient s performed and a material detection is carried out in the region according to an algorithm which calculates a three-dimensional reconstruction from different views. |
| US09128198B2 |
Time of flight backscatter imaging system
The present application discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus for determining a surface profile of an object under inspection that is positioned at a distance from the apparatus. The X-ray imaging system has an X-ray source for producing a scanning beam of X-rays directed toward the object, a detector assembly for providing a signal representative of an intensity of X-rays backscattered from the object, and processing circuitry to determine a time difference between when the X-ray source is switched on and when the backscattered X-rays arrive at the detector assembly. The processing circuitry is adapted to output data representative of the surface profile of the object under inspection. |
| US09128197B2 |
System, device and method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate
A system, a device, and a method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a storage phosphor plate and a device for reading out X-ray information stored in the storage phosphor plate including a light source for generating stimulating light that excites the storage phosphor plate to have it emit first emission light, and a detector for detecting the first emission light emitted by the storage phosphor plate. At least one marking is arranged and configured in such a way that stimulating light can impinge on the marking and can be at least partially reflected and/or scattered by the marking and/or can excite the marking to have it emit second emission light, wherein the reflected or scattered stimulating light, respectively, or emitted second emission light, respectively, can be detected by the detector, and marking information can be derived therefrom. |
| US09128193B2 |
Two-axis apparatus with stationary positioning, rotating and/or scanning motion of point or line sources
An apparatus and method for simulating a radiation phantom so as to calibrate or measure performance of a gamma detection system. The apparatus includes a line bar configured to rotate around an axis of rotation, a source carriage configured to move linearly along the line bar and to hold an attached radiation source, and a fixture assembly configured to support the line bar, the fixture assembly being configured to attach to a patient bed. |
| US09128191B2 |
HE-3 detector guard band
A neutron detector for detecting neutrons includes an exterior shell bounding and sealing an interior volume. The exterior shell serves as a cathode. A central structure extends longitudinally within the exterior shell. The central structure serves as an anode and is maintained at a first voltage. The neutron detector includes an insulating portion extending between the central structure and the exterior shell and longitudinally past a shell end of the exterior shell towards a structure end of the central structure. A guard structure extends circumferentially around an outer insulating surface. The guard structure is positioned on the insulating portion between the shell end and the structure end. The guard structure is maintained at a second voltage such that a leakage current on the outer insulating surface is absorbed by the guard structure. A method of detecting neutrons with the neutron detector is also provided. |
| US09128189B1 |
Hybrid pulsed-FMCW multi-mode airborne and rotary wing radar ESA device and related method
A device and method is disclosed for a hybrid multi-mode airborne and rotary wing radar Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA). Pulsed Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Transmit and Receive Modules (TRM) are nested with Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) transmit elements within the aperture of an ESA. FMCW elements only transmit while the pulsed TRM receive both the pulsed return and the FMCW return. During the hybrid configuration, both the pulsed and FMCW performance is limited to less than the full ESA aperture. In an alternate configuration, individual TRM are configured for transmit and receive of both FMCW and pulsed signals are coupled within the aperture of the ESA. The individual elements offer full aperture performance in both pulsed and FMCW operation. A diplexer controls channel deconfliction between the pulsed and the FMCW transmissions/receptions while a switching network directs the individual elements to hop between the pulsed and FMCW modes. |
| US09128188B1 |
Object instance identification using template textured 3-D model matching
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for automatic target recognition. A hypothesis about a target's classification, position and orientation relative to a LADAR sensor that generates range image data of a scene including the target is simulated and a synthetic range image is generated. The range image and synthetic range image are then electronically processed to determine whether the hypothesized model and position and orientation are correct. If the score is sufficiently high then the hypothesis is declared correct, otherwise a new hypothesis is formed according to a search strategy. |
| US09128184B1 |
Radar wind turbine
A blade mounted radar system comprises a wind turbine having a hub and blades extending therefrom; a radar antenna configured to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal; and a processor in electrical communication with the radar antenna and configured to generate the RF signal for transmission and/or to process the received RF signal. The radar antenna is affixed to one of the blades of the wind turbine such that relative motion is defined between the radar antenna and a target within a line of sight of the radar antenna. The problem of the ground based radar line of sight being obscured by the wind turbine is mitigated in this setup, as radar and turbine coexist in the same structure. Improved performance and additional capability are enabled by elevated installation and vertical SAR imaging capability. Doppler capabilities are extended using known motion of the antenna relative to stationary objects. |
| US09128177B2 |
Band grouping combinations for tunable UMTS multi-band filters
Apparatus, method, and system example embodiments provide an improved RF front end to simultaneously transmit and receive signals for cellular telecommunications. In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tunable duplexer selectively connected to an antenna, configured to transmit and receive radio frequency communication signals in a group of at least two bands; and a tunable transmit filter in the duplexer, capable of being tuned to have an inductance value approximately matching at least two inductance values corresponding respectively to pass the at least two bands in the group, each of the at least two bands in the group having a positive duplex offset and each of the at least two inductance values that correspond respectively to the at least two bands in the group, having an inductance value that approximately matches the inductance values corresponding respectively to the other bands in the group. |
| US09128175B2 |
Object detection apparatus
An object detection apparatus disposed in a moving body generates a transmission signal of multiple pulse sequences as a plurality of sequences of multiple pulses. A modulation signal of the transmission signal is generated by performing digital modulation on each of the multiple pulse sequences of the transmission signal according to a code sequence. A transmission wave based on the modulation signal is transmitted and a reflected wave of the transmission wave is received by the apparatus. The apparatus further detects a speed of the moving body to determine a length of the code sequence. The apparatus calculates a code correlation value between the modulation signal and a received signal, which is derived from the reflected wave, and performs pulse compression on the received signal based on the code correlation value to generate a pulse-compressed received signal. The apparatus detects an object based on the pulse-compressed received signal. |
| US09128173B1 |
Machine and process for self localization using doppler
A system, method and apparatus is provided for calculating the position of a single receiver by receiving a signal from an emitter. Either the receiver or the emitter may be stationary relative to the surface of the Earth. The invention may use a particle filter to optimize the efficiency of the position calculation. The invention may further utilize a particle filter to estimate the frequency drift and bias of the emitter and/or receiver, and use the estimated frequency drift to improve the position calculation. In one embodiment, the invention may be used to calculate the position of a single GPS receiver given the position of, and a transmission from, a single GPS satellite. |
| US09128170B2 |
Locating mobile devices
The claimed subject matter provides a method for displaying a map comprising a location estimate on a mobile device. The method includes displaying an interface specifying a correction to the location estimate. The method also includes determining a revised location based on the correction. Additionally, the method includes displaying the map comprising the correction. |
| US09128169B2 |
Test structure of display panel and testing method thereof and test structure of tested display panel
A test structure of a display panel is provided. The display panel has a display region, a non-display region, and a buffer display region between the display region and non-display region. The test structure is within the buffer display region and includes a substrate, at least one signal line on the substrate, an insulation layer covering the signal line, a planar layer on the insulation layer, and an electrode layer on the planar layer. The planar layer has at least one opening exposing a portion of the insulation layer. The electrode layer has a display electrode portion on the planar layer, at least one test electrode portion connecting the insulation layer via the opening of the planar layer, and a ring-like opening that surrounds the test electrode portion and exposes a portion of the planar layer. The display electrode portion surrounds the ring-like opening and connects the test electrode portion. |
| US09128168B2 |
Method of determing excretion of sodium and other analytes
Methods and kits of the invention are useful for calculating 24-hour excretion of sodium without the need to collect urine for 24 hours. |
| US09128159B2 |
Plug-in charge capacity estimation method for lithium iron-phosphate batteries
A method for estimating charge capacity of a lithium iron-phosphate battery pack using data from a plug-in charge event. A laboratory-measured battery pack resistance, which is known to remain constant over a battery pack's life, can be used to determine open circuit voltage from terminal voltage during charging. Actual open circuit voltage after charging can be measured later, after the battery pack has rested for a sufficient amount of time. The two values of open circuit voltage, if taken at points on the battery pack's SOC-OCV curve which have great enough slope, provide two values of battery pack state of charge. By integrating charging current over the time interval between the two open circuit voltage readings, and using the two state of charge values, the battery pack capacity can be determined from the plug-in charge data. |
| US09128157B2 |
Surface scanning radio frequency antenna for magnetic resonance force microscopy
A probe for scanning a surface of an arbitrarily sized sample in magnetic resonance force microscopy comprising a magnetic sensor having a support element coupled to a magnetic particle, an RF antenna, at least partially circumscribing the magnetic sensor, for emitting an RF magnetic field across a portion of the sample and an optical sensor, positioned proximate the magnetic sensor, for detecting displacement of the support element. |
| US09128155B2 |
Switch detection system
A switch detection system (100) includes a first switch (102) having a pole node (153), a normally closed contact (160), and a normally open contact (161), the pole node (153) of the first switch (102) connected to a voltage source node (104), a second switch (102) having a pole node (153), a normally closed contact (160) and a normally open contact (161), the pole node (153) of the second switch (102) connected to the normally closed contact (160) of the first switch (102), a voltage detector (106) connected to the normally closed contact (160) of the second switch (102), a first resistor (108) connected to the normally open contact (161) of the first switch (102), and a second resistor (108) connected to the normally open contact (161) of the first switch (102) and the normally open contact (161) of the second switch (102). |
| US09128152B2 |
Interface circuitry with JTAG interface, full and reduced pin interfaces
The disclosure describes a process and apparatus for accessing devices on a substrate. The substrate may include only full pin JTAG devices (504), only reduced pin JTAG devices (506), or a mixture of both full pin and reduced pin JTAG devices. The access is accomplished using a single interface (502) between the substrate (408) and a JTAG controller (404). The access interface may be a wired interface or a wireless interface and may be used for JTAG based device testing, debugging, programming, or other type of JTAG based operation. |
| US09128151B1 |
Performance screen ring oscillator formed from paired scan chains
A performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO) formed from paired scan chains is disclosed. A circuit structure comprises scan chains each having scan chain elements. A scan chain link is configured to pair at least one scan chain element from a first scan chain with at least one scan chain element of a second scan chain to form a PSRO. A forward path associated with data flow through the at least one scan chain element of the first scan chain becomes a backward path of the at least one scan chain element of the second scan chain, and a forward path associated with data flow through the at least one scan chain element of the second scan chain becomes a backward path of the at least one scan chain element of the first scan chain. |
| US09128145B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes: an output timing controller configured to delay an applied external read command by a predetermined time and generate a normal output enable flag signal, during a normal mode, a test output timing controller configured to generate a DLL clock signal from an external clock signal, delay the applied external read command in synchronization with the DLL clock signal, and output the delayed applied external read command as a test output enable flag signal, during a test mode, and a multiplexer (MUX) configured to output any one of the normal output enable flag signal or the test output enable flag signal as an output enable flag signal. |
| US09128138B2 |
Electrical storage system
An electrical storage system includes: serially connected electrical storage blocks each including at least one electrical storage element; a voltage detection circuit connected to each electrical storage block via voltage detection lines; a protection circuit including an overvoltage protection element connected in parallel with each electrical storage block via the voltage detection lines and a first resistor connected in series with the overvoltage protection element; a discharge circuit connected in parallel with each overvoltage protection element via the voltage detection lines and in series with the first resistor, the discharge circuit including a second resistor having a larger resistance value than the first resistor; and a controller detecting an abnormality in the overvoltage protection elements by, while the electrical storage elements are not connected to the load, comparing a voltage of a discharging first electrical storage block with a voltage of a non-discharging second electrical storage block. |
| US09128137B2 |
Electrical diagnostic tool
A diagnostic tool for monitoring a component in a load electrical circuit is provided. The diagnostic tool includes a housing containing a relay, at least one electrical sensor, a computer readable memory and a processor. The relay is configured for selectively open and close the load electrical circuit according to a control electrical circuit. The at least one sensor is configured to measure current and/or voltage in the load electrical circuit and to generate signals corresponding to the electrical load drawn through the load electrical circuit. The processor is in electrical with the sensor or sensors and the computer readable memory for storing data in the computer readable memory corresponding to the signals generated by the sensor. |
| US09128136B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining the sensitivity of a capacitive sensing device
Embodiments relate to an apparatus for determining a sensitivity of a capacitive sensing device having a sensor capacitor with a variable capacitance. The apparatus includes a measurement module and a processor. The measurement module is configured to determine, in response to a first electrical input signal to the sensor capacitor, a first quantity indicative of a first capacitance of the sensor capacitor and to determine, in response to a second electrical input signal to the sensor capacitor, a second quantity indicative of a second capacitance of the sensor capacitor. The processor is configured to determine the sensitivity of the sensing device based on the determined first and second quantity. |
| US09128132B2 |
Resampling a signal to perform power quality and synchrophasor measurement
Performing power quality and synchrophasor analysis on a resampled signal. A first signal may be initially received which corresponds to a power system. The first signal may have a plurality of cycles and may have a frequency that varies over time. One or more parameters may be determined from the first signal. Based on the one or more parameters, the first signal may be resampled to produce an even angle signal. Various power quality measurements may be performed on the even angle signal. Similarly, further processing may be performed to perform synchrophasor measurements, e.g., to determine phasor, frequency, and/or rate of frequency change for the first signal. In some embodiments, the resampling processing elements (e.g., circuitry, programmable hardware elements, processors and memories, etc.) may be shared between the two analyses. |
| US09128125B2 |
Current sensing using a metal-on-passivation layer on an integrated circuit die
A current sense resistor integrated with an integrated circuit die where the integrated circuit die is housed in a flip-chip semiconductor package includes a metal layer formed over a passivation layer of the integrated circuit die where the metal layer having an array of metal pillars extending therefrom. The metal pillars are electrically connected to a first leadframe portion and a second leadframe portion of the semiconductor package where the first leadframe portion and the second leadframe portion are electrically isolated from each other and physically separated by a separation of a first distance. The current sense resistor is formed in a portion of the metal layer spanning the separation between the first and second leadframe portions, the first and second leadframe portions forming terminals of the current sense resistor. |
| US09128124B2 |
Wireless voltage sensing device
A voltage sensing apparatus on a semiconductor substrate, including one or more inputs comprising metal contacts, an output comprising a laser transmitter, circuitry electrically connecting and interfacing the inputs to the output; and a power module. A method of fabricating the apparatus is also described. |
| US09128122B2 |
Stiffener plate for a probecard and method
A microelectronic contactor assembly can include a probe head having microelectronic contactors for contacting terminals of semiconductor devices to test the semiconductor devices. A stiffener assembly can provide mechanical support to microelectronic contactors and for connecting a probe card assembly to a prober machine. A stiffener assembly may include a main body and a plurality of mounting points, wherein at least one of the mounting points is flexibly connected to the main body by one or more laterally extending beams that has a section modulus normal to the lateral direction significantly greater than in the lateral direction. The stiffener assembly allows for differential thermal expansion of various components of the microelectronic contactor assembly while minimizing accompanying dimensional distortion that could interfere with contacting the terminals of semiconductor devices. |
| US09128120B2 |
Probe
Disclosed is a probe which stably transmits a test signal. The probe electrically connects a semiconductor device and a tester for testing the semiconductor device. The probe may include an upper plunger which is configured to be electrically connected to the semiconductor device; a lower plunger which is configured to be electrically connected to the tester; an elastic member which is disposed between the upper plunger and the lower plunger, and elastically biases the upper and lower plungers to have them spaced from each other; a conductive member which is disposed in an inside or outside of the elastic member and electrically connects the upper plunger and the lower plunger; and a barrel which accommodates therein the upper plunger, the lower plunger, the elastic member and the conductive member. |
| US09128117B2 |
Laser-enhanced chemical etching of nanotips
A method for sharpening a nanotip involving a laser-enhanced chemical etching is provided. The method includes immersing a nanotip in an etchant solution. The nanotip includes a base and an apex, the apex having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the base. The method also includes irradiating the nanotip with laser fluence to establish a temperature gradient in the nanotip along a direction from the apex to the base of the nanotip such that the apex and base are etched at different rates. |
| US09128116B2 |
Automatic alignment of a vehicle three-axes accelerometer
The axes of an accelerometer, installed in a vehicle at an arbitrary orientation, may be realigned to the coordinate frame of the vehicle. In one implementation, a method may include determining, based on acceleration measurements from the accelerometer that likely corresponds to stopping, a dominant orientation of the accelerometer in relation to gravity, including calculating a first transformation angle and a second transformation angle as parameters to perform coordinate realignment of a coordinate frame of the accelerometer to a coordinate frame of the vehicle. The method may further include identifying, based on the acceleration measurements, an occurrence of acceleration events of the vehicle; determining, based on an analysis of the acceleration events, a third transformation angle; and storing the first, second, and third transformation angles. |
| US09128115B2 |
Method and apparatus for evaluating deceleration of a vehicle
In accordance with the present inventive concept, there is provided a method for evaluating deceleration of a vehicle. The method comprises: measuring a deceleration of the vehicle during a first time interval, estimating a speed of the vehicle at a first time instant in a second time interval, which is different from the first time interval, based on the measured deceleration, measuring a speed of the vehicle at the first time instant, comparing the estimated speed to the measured speed, and generating a signal based on the comparison. There is also provided an apparatus for evaluating deceleration of a vehicle. |
| US09128114B2 |
Capacitive sensor device and a method of sensing accelerations
The invention relates to a capacitive sensor device 100. The capacitive sensor device (100) comprises a substrate (401), a first electrode (101) coupled to the substrate (401, a second electrode (102) coupled to the substrate (401) and a movable element (103). The movable element (103) is capacitively coupled to the first electrode (101), the moveable element (103) and the first electrode (101) representing a first capacitor (104). The movable element (103) is capacitively coupled to the second electrode (102), the moveable element (103) and the second electrode (102) representing a second capacitor (105). The movable element (103) is movable between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102) in such a manner, that an electrical impedance between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102) is changeable due to a change of a position of the movable element (103). The movable element (103) is decoupled from the substrate (401), in particular to a signal line. |
| US09128112B2 |
Determination device, electrical device, and method of determining moving state
A determination device includes a geomagnetism value obtaining unit for obtaining a geomagnetism value detected with a geomagnetism sensor; and a geomagnetism value determining unit for determining whether a user having the geomagnetism sensor is in a moving state in an automobile or on a train according to a magnitude of a change in the geomagnetism value obtained with the geomagnetism value obtaining unit. |
| US09128107B2 |
Prognostic biomarkers for the progression of primary chronic kidney disease
Subject of the present invention are assays and in vitro methods for prediction of the progression of primary chronic kidney disease (CKD) or for monitoring chronic kidney disease therapy comprising the determination of the level of ANP and/or ADM or its precursors or fragments thereof. |
| US09128100B2 |
Non-invasive diagnostic method for the evaluation of intestinal lactase deficiency (hypolactasia)
The test of the invention comprises the measuring the total amount of xylose in urine and/or its concentration in blood following oral administration of 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylose (4-GX) to the patient. It is a non-invasive test that is based on the direct evaluation of the global enzyme activity in the whole individual, not on measuring the metabolic consequences derived from its deficiency. It does not require specialized equipment, does not cause apparent discomfort in patients with lactase deficiency and is very reliable, thus overcoming the drawbacks of the diagnostic tests currently in use and is a statistically significantly better test in terms of its reliability; consequently it should become the reference or gold standard test for the indication of hypolactasia. |
| US09128097B2 |
Method and kit for assessing viable cells
The present invention provides simple, rapid methods and procedures for analyzing cells, hereunder quantitative and qualitative assessment of cells, such as viability. The present invention relates to the use of various optionally substituted reporter compounds particularly detectable upon their reaction with thiol-containing species present in higher concentrations in intact (e.g., living) cells than in non-intact (e.g., dead, stressed and apoptotic) cells. The present invention also relates to the use of various optionally substituted reporter compounds particularly detectable upon their reaction with species present in intact and/or non-intact cells. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of measuring techniques and/or instruments coupled with the use of various optionally substituted reporter compounds. The invention further relates to compositions used in methods for analyzing cells, such as a composition comprising N-(7-dimethylamino-4-methyl-3-coumarinyl)-maleimide (DACM). |
| US09128095B2 |
Diagnosis or prognosis of lung cancer and colorectal cancer based on expression level of glutaredoxin 3
The present invention relates to a biomarker for diagnosing lung cancer and colorectal cancer containing glutaredoxin 3 as an active ingredient, and a kit for diagnosing lung cancer and colorectal cancer using the same biomarker. Glutaredoxin 3 of the present invention is over-expressed in lung cancer tissue and colorectal cancer tissue, which enables early prediction of diagnosis or prognosis of lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Thus, glutaredoxin 3 can be helpfully used as a biomarker for diagnosing lung cancer and colorectal cancer. |
| US09128091B2 |
Capturing particles
Methods and systems capturing particles suspended in a fluid flowed through a micro-channel, can include flowing the fluid including the particles to be captured through a micro-channel and past a groove defined in a surface of a wall of the micro-channel such that flowing the fluid past the groove forms microvortices in the fluid; contacting at least some of the particles against an adherent disposed on one or more of walls of the microchannel after the microvortices form in the fluid; and capturing at least some of the particles contacting the adherent. |
| US09128088B2 |
Effective new drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis
The present invention allows a screening method for identifying novel drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis as well as a diagnostic method for identifying clinical strains that are resistant to these novel drugs. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for screening in vitro drug candidates for the treatment of tuberculosis by interfering with the arabinogalactan biosynthesis, the said method comprising a step of putting into contact a Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell culture over-expressing a protein that performs the transformation of decaprenyl-P-ribose to decaprenyl-P-arabinose and that can be encoded by rv3790 gene or homologues thereof or any open-reading artificial frame whose gene product is identical or homologue to Rv3790 protein, with a drug candidate and then evaluating the percentage of inhibition caused by the drug candidate against a control in an assay test, such as an antibacterial test or an enzymatic test. |
| US09128082B2 |
Devices and methods of cell capture and analysis
The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed. |
| US09128079B2 |
Methods of using lung or bronchial epithelial cells to identify bitter taste modulators
Provided herein are cell lines and assays that can be utilized to identify taste receptor modulators. |
| US09128076B2 |
Measurement of isotope ratios in complex matrices
The present techniques are directed to a method for microprobe analyses of isotope ratios in inhomogeneous matrices. The method includes selecting matrix standards that have matrices that resemble a target matrix. A bulk isotope analysis is run on each of the matrix standards to determine a bulk isotope ratio value. A microprobe analysis is run on each of the matrix standards to determine a microprobe isotope ratio values for each of the plurality of matrix standards. Spurious values are eliminated from the microprobe isotope ratio values. The microprobe isotope ratio values are averaged for each of the matrix standards to create an average microprobe isotope ratio value associated with each of the matrix standards. The bulk isotope ratio value for each of matrix standards is plotted against the average microprobe isotope ratio value associated with each of the matrix standards to create a matrix corrected calibration curve. |
| US09128075B2 |
Method for controlling the sensitivity and response point of chemical test kits for metals in paint and other media
A method of changing the response level for any chemical test kits designed for the determination of a metal or compound (such as lead) in paint and other media is disclosed. The invention solves two common problems that exist with using chemical test kits for the detection of lead in paint or other coatings and media: (1) conversion of the paint sample into particles small enough to dissolve the metal in the sample; and, (2) controlling the amount of (paint) sample that gets exposed to the chemicals. This is accomplished by using a coffee grinder or equivalent tool plus a solid (food) product to break up the paint sample into small particles and at the same time dilute the concentration of the metal, while in solid form, down to a level that results in obtaining a positive response at the desired concentration. |
| US09128073B2 |
Needle moving device
The invention provides a needle moving device which can detect a fault in a signal provided by a system controller to a performing device. An X-direction driving motor (4a) and a Y-direction driving motor (4b) in a driving portion (4) of an autosampler (1a) are provided with encoders (12a, 12b) for measuring moving distances of a needle (2) in respective directions from rotation numbers of the respective driving motors (4a and 4b). A determining portion (20) provided to a system controller (1b) locates a position of the needle (2) after the movement based on signals from the encoders (12a, 12b) and determines whether the position is a position of a designated sample vessel. |
| US09128070B2 |
Analysis device
Disclosed is an analysis device which can analyze substances with low blood concentration with high precision without having to make the device larger. The analysis device is composed of: a specimen disk equipped with specimen containers; a reagent disk equipped with reagent containers; a first disk equipped with first containers where purification of the subject component to be measured in the specimen is carried out; a second disk equipped with second containers where purification of the sample purified in the first container is carried out; and a mass spectrometry unit which measures the specimen purified in the second container. |
| US09128069B2 |
Analysis system and computer implemented method for analyzing biological samples
Analysis system and computer implemented method for analyzing biological samples are disclosed. The system has at least one analyzer for performing an analysis and a decision unit being operable to determine in response to the receipt of the analysis request whether results obtained from performing the analysis on the sample indicated in the analysis request are valid. This determination is executed by retrieving the meta information assigned to the sample and by applying the at least one condition on the meta information and wherein the at least one applied condition has at least a condition on whether the sample allows a valid analysis on the sample, and wherein the decision unit returns the decision that the analysis exercised on the indicated sample will return a valid result in case the conditions of the condition set are met by the sample. |
| US09128059B2 |
Coherent anti-stokes raman spectroscopy
A coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) system comprises a laser light source for emitting pulsed light, a dichroic beam splitter for splitting a light pulse from the light source into a pump pulse and a Stokes pulse and directing these pulses along respective distinct paths, chirping means, e.g. dispersive glass blocks for chirping the pump and Stokes pulses, directing means for directing the chirped pump and Stokes samples to a sample in time overlap, and detecting means for detecting light stimulated from the sample by the interaction of the pump and Stokes pulses. The system may comprise a reflector connected to a linear motor, for adjusting the period between the arrival at the sample of the starts of the chirped pump and Stokes pulses. The system may further comprise a pulse replicating unit for converting a pulse from the light source into a plurality of pulses distributed in time. |
| US09128058B2 |
Method for separation and characterization of microorganisms using identifier agents
The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for the use of one or more identifier agents and interrogating the microorganism sample and/or said one or more identifier agents to produce measurements which characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism based on the produced measurements and/or the presence or absence of the identifier agent or a metabolized form of the identifier agent in the microorganism sample. |
| US09128053B2 |
Precision densitometer for radiosensitive film
A precision densitometer for radiosensitive films and the like provides point-to-point scanning in which a laser source and collimated receiver are moved in tandem over the area of the film. The film may be supported only at its edges to remove scattering and interference caused by a glass support bed. Highly repeatable 25 μm resolution density measurements may be obtained. |
| US09128050B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting graphene board
An apparatus and method for inspecting a graphene board. The graphene board inspecting apparatus for inspecting a graphene board on which at least one graphene layer is formed includes: a light processing unit which emits at least one light on the graphene board, receives the at least one light penetrating the graphene board and converts the received at least one light to an output signal; a transmittance detecting unit which receives the output signal from the light processing unit to inspect a transmittance of the at least one light penetrating the graphene board; and a determination unit which is connected to the transmittance detecting unit and receives the detected transmittance to determine a state of the graphene board by analyzing the detected transmittance. |
| US09128044B2 |
Chemical sensors with consistent sensor surface areas
In one embodiment, a chemical sensor is described. The chemical sensor includes a chemically-sensitive field effect transistor including a floating gate conductor having an upper surface. A material defines an opening extending to the upper surface of the floating gate conductor. The material comprises a first dielectric underlying a second dielectric. A conductive element contacts the upper surface of the floating gate conductor and extends a distance along a sidewall of the opening, the distance defined by a thickness of the first dielectric. |
| US09128041B2 |
Drug evaluation method and drug evaluation device
The drug evaluation device obtains, by an attenuated reflection method using a terahertz wave, an evaluation absorption spectrum for a frequency with respect to a liquid to be evaluated. When crystalline particles are suspended in a liquid, an absorption peak having a peak area corresponding to the amount of suspension appears in its absorption spectrum. Therefore, whether or not and by what ratio crystalline particles are suspended in the liquid can be determined according to whether or not the absorption peak exists and the peak area. When amorphous particles are suspended in the liquid, the baseline of its absorption spectrum lowers according to the ratio of amorphous particles suspended in the liquid. Therefore, whether or not and by what ratio amorphous particles are suspended in the liquid can be determined according to the lowering amount of the baseline. |
| US09128040B2 |
Nanopore device, method of fabricating the same, and DNA detection apparatus including the same
A nanopore device including a nanopore formed by penetrating a thin layer, a nanochannel formed at an entrance of the nanopore, and a filler in the nanochannel, as well as a method of fabricating the nanopore device and an apparatus including the nanopore device. |
| US09128039B2 |
Biosensor test strip
This invention discloses a biosensor test strip that comprises a substrate, on which lies a conductive layer that contains a plurality of contact pads, check pads and reaction zones, which contains a plurality of working and reference electrodes, and on which the reaction reagent is deposited. The first contact pad is connected to the working electrode, while the second contact pad is connected to the reference electrode. Furthermore, this invention discloses a biosensor test strip for multiple tests on a single strip. The biosensor test strip includes a substrate with a plurality of incisions to divide the substrate into a plurality of individual test sections. |
| US09128034B2 |
Multi-probe rail scanning/encoder system and certified method of use thereof
A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage. |
| US09128032B2 |
Three-dimensional staring spare array photoacoustic imager and methods for calibrating an imager
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus is provided for medical or other imaging applications and also a method for calibrating this apparatus. The apparatus employs a sparse array of transducer elements and a reconstruction algorithm. Spatial calibration maps of the sparse array are used to optimize the reconstruction algorithm. The apparatus includes a laser producing a pulsed laser beam to illuminate a subject for imaging and generate photoacoustic waves. The transducers are fixedly mounted on a holder so as to form the sparse array. A photoacoustic (PA) waves are received by each transducer. The resultant analog signals from each transducer are amplified, filtered, and converted to digital signals in parallel by a data acquisition system which is operatively connected to a computer. The computer receives the digital signals and processes the digital signals by the algorithm based on iterative forward projection and back-projection in order to provide the image. |
| US09128030B1 |
X-ray backscattering battery inspection
A system may be provided for inspecting a first internal characteristic of a sealed article such as a lithium-ion battery. The system may include an X-ray source, one or more X-ray detectors, one or more actuators that control the location on the article at which the X-rays are emitted, and a processing apparatus that receives X-ray detection data from the one or more X-ray detectors. The processing apparatus may use the X-ray detection data to form an X-ray backscattering image that shows the first internal characteristic. The first internal characteristic may be an electrolyte level within the lithium-ion battery or a material consistency within the lithium-ion battery. |
| US09128029B2 |
X-ray analysis apparatus
An X-ray analysis apparatus having a function for enabling a plurality of measurement methods to be implemented, the apparatus having: measurement software for implementing each of the individual measurement methods and acquiring measurement data; analysis software for performing a predetermined analysis on the measurement data and acquiring analysis data; reduced-size-image-creating means for creating a reduced-size image on the basis of each item of the measurement data and the analysis data; analysis-icon-creating means for creating an icon for denoting the analysis software; and image display means for displaying the reduced-size image and the icon on the same screen while indicating that the reduced-size image and the icon are correlated. |
| US09128028B2 |
Thermal conductivity detectors
Thermal conductivity detectors and methods of operating thermal conductivity detectors are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a single fluidic channel, wherein the single fluidic channel includes a single inlet and a single outlet, and multiple sensors configured to determine one or more properties associated with a thermal conductivity of a fluid in the single fluidic channel. |
| US09128025B2 |
Method and device for determining chemical and/or physical properties of working substances in a machine system
Methods and devices are disclosed for determining chemical and/or physical properties of working substances in a machine system, particularly in a floating device. In at least one embodiment, the working substance is irradiated with light, wherein the working substance has at least one temperature from a defined temperature range during irradiation; and the light penetrating the working substance or reflected by the working substance is spectrally analyzed. |
| US09128023B2 |
Calibration scheme for gas absorption spectra detection
A technique for removing the background from a transmission spectrum including determining performance characteristics of a detector, measuring a transmission spectrum that includes an absorption line, determining performance characteristics of a gas cell, and removing a background spectrum from the transmission spectrum by combining the transmission spectrum with the performance characteristics of the detector and the performance characteristics of the gas cell. |
| US09128020B2 |
Permeability flow cell and hydraulic conductance system
The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell. |
| US09128016B2 |
Up-concentration of organic microobjects for microscopic imaging
A method of analyzing a sample fluid containing organic microobjects is proposed. The method comprises the steps of: up-concentrating (S1) the microobjects by removing, in a total time T1, a volume V1 of the sample fluid from the upconcentrate sample microobjects; immersing (S2) the microobjects in a transfer fluid, or leaving the microobjects in a remaining portion of the sample fluid, the remaining portion of the sample fluid then providing the transfer fluid; filtering (S3), in a total time T3, a volume V3 of the transfer fluid by a filter, thereby accumulating the microobjects on the filter; and generating (S4) an image of the microobjects accumulated on the filter; wherein the throughput V1/T1 of the step of up-concentrating (S1) is greater than the throughput V1/T1, of the step of filtering (S3). The filter may be a second filter, and the step of up-concentrating (S1) may involve: filtering the sample fluid by a first filter, thereby accumulating the microobjects on the first filter. An apparatus or system for analyzing a sample fluid containing organic microobjects is also disclosed. |
| US09128014B2 |
High throughput and volumetric error resilient dilution with digital microfluidic based lab-on-a-chip
Systems and methods are provided for producing fluids with desired concentration factors from the given supply of any two concentration factors, one greater than the target CF and one less than the target CF, of the same fluid. According to one embodiment, a method is provided that stores intermediate waste droplets from a sequence of mix and split steps and repeats certain steps of the sequence using the stored intermediate waste droplets. Such a method may produce additional target CF droplets faster than repeating the entire sequence. In another embodiment, a method of volumetric error resilient target CF droplet generation has been described, and includes reusing the stored intermediate waste droplets and involves a collection of capacitive sensing circuits associated with some electrode platforms. |
| US09128012B2 |
Gyratory compactor apparatuses and associated methods
A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame defining a frame axis, a pivoted support carried by the frame, and a mold-engaging device carried by the pivoted support and having a carriage plate spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold. The carriage plate is movable relative to the frame axis by rotation of the pivoted support. At least one actuator is in engagement with the carriage plate for imparting translation to the carriage plate relative to the frame axis. |
| US09128010B2 |
Device and methods of using a piezoelectric microbalance sensor
Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized. |
| US09128009B2 |
Measurement device for minimizing external magnetic disturbance
Provided is a ΔE measuring device minimizing external magnetic disturbance, more particularly, a ΔE measuring device measuring a change (ΔE) in elastic modulus under a magnetic field by removing a bias effect by the earth's magnetic field and a magnetic tool and device and using a magneto acoustic resonance method. With the ΔE measuring device, a space minimizing external magnetic disturbance using three-axis Helmholtz coils is provided and the ΔE measuring device having a plurality of coil structures is inserted into the space, thereby making it possible to minimize external magnetic field disturbance. |
| US09128004B2 |
Measurement method, measurement apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and optical element fabrication method
The present invention provides a method of measuring a shape of a target surface, including a step of obtaining shape data by causing a stage which holds the target surface to rotate the target surface about a rotation axis, positioning each of a plurality of partial regions of the target surface in a field of view of a measurement apparatus, and causing the measurement apparatus to measure each of the plurality of partial regions, a step of obtaining, for each of a plurality of partial contour regions, a central position of the target surface using data of a contour included in the shape data, and a step of obtaining, based on the obtained plurality of central positions, a position of the rotation axis of the target surface in positioning each of the plurality of partial regions. |
| US09128002B2 |
System and method for detecting leaks in a fluid filled vessel
A leak detecting device for water filled vessel such as a swimming pool. An annular resilient seal having a central opening contacts the surface of the vessel under water and creates a seal between the resilient seal and the vessel. A rigid housing open in its interior is coupled to the resilient seal and has an opening for an inlet to deliver fluid into the interior of the housing, or couple a flow meter thereto to measure the fluid flow, or deliver a dye into the housing and through the central opening of the resilient seal. |
| US09127999B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor, tactile sensor, grasping apparatus, and electronic device
An ultrasonic sensor includes: a substrate; an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the substrate, and configured and arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves that propagate as plane waves in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the substrate; an acoustic refracting part contacting the ultrasonic transducer, and configured and arranged to refract the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer; an elastically deformable elastic portion contacting the acoustic refracting part; and an ultrasonic reflecting member disposed within the elastic portion, and configured and arranged to reflect the ultrasonic waves. The acoustic refracting part is configured and arranged to refract, toward the ultrasonic reflecting member, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer. |
| US09127997B2 |
Measuring element, force-measuring sensor, and measuring assembly for measuring forces
A measuring element for measuring forces that includes a first measuring element part by which at least one force to be measured is received, a second measuring element part by which at least one force to be measured is received, the second measuring element part being spaced from the first measuring element part, and a plurality of sensors extending between the first measuring element part and the second measuring element part and configured to measure the at least one force received by the first and second measuring element parts. |
| US09127988B2 |
Heat flux measurement apparatus and heat flux measurement method
A heat flux measurement apparatus 100 includes a first measurement unit 110, a second measurement unit 120, and heat flux calculation units 130, 140. The first measurement unit 110 measures a temperature difference between a first measurement location and a second measurement location that is lower in temperature than the first measurement location, using a thermocouple 112. The second measurement unit 120 measures a temperature difference between a third measurement location that can be assumed to be isothermal with the first measurement location and a fourth measurement location that can be assumed to be isothermal with the second measurement location, using a thermocouple 122 different in time constant from the thermocouple 112. The heat flux calculation units 130, 140 use measured temperature differences respectively acquired from thermal electromotive forces of the thermocouples 112, 113 of the measurement units 110, 120, and time differential values of the actual measured temperature differences of the respective measurement units 110, 120 to detect a time constant of the thermocouple 112, 122 of at least one of the measurement units 110, 120, calculate a compensated temperature difference by compensating a response lag of the actual measured temperature difference by the detected time constant, and calculate a heat flux based on the compensated temperature difference. |
| US09127983B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling an operating wavelength
The resonant frequency of an optical micro-resonator may be controlled by “locking” an operating frequency/wavelength of the resonator using CMOS compatible electronic components. |
| US09127975B2 |
Apparatus and methods for water waste management in water distribution systems
The present invention discloses a non invasive and mobile device to detect and quantify water consumption in domestic or public water systems, wherein detection is achieved by a piezoelectric device. |
| US09127974B2 |
Magnetic flowmeter assembly framework
A magnetic flowmeter includes a pipe section, coils for generating a magnetic field across the pipe section, and electrodes for sensing EMF induced by process fluid flow through the magnetic field. An assembly framework is mounted on the pipe. The coils, electrodes, and associated wiring of the flowmeter are located and secured in place by the framework. |
| US09127971B2 |
Non-destructive inspection systems and methods that incorporate interchangeable probes
A non-destructive inspection (NDI) device is described that includes a robotic arm, a storage device proximate the robotic arm, and a plurality of NDI probe assemblies disposed within the storage device. Each NDI probe assembly includes at least one transducer operable for NDI of a part and a tool operable as a mechanical interface between the robotic arm and the corresponding NDI probe assembly. Each NDI probe assembly is configured for a specific NDI task, for NDI of a part, and the robotic arm is operable for selectively engaging the tools and movement of the probe assemblies for the NDI of at least a portion of a part. |
| US09127969B2 |
Apparatus for pedalling measurement arrangement
An apparatus for pedaling measurement is presented. The apparatus comprises a casing arranged to be attached to a crank of a cycle. The casing comprises a signal processing circuitry configured to process a measurement signal related to pedaling. The casing further comprises a protrusion arranged to be disposed at least partially into a hole of a spindle of a pedal, wherein the protrusion provides the apparatus with a mechanic support with respect to the spindle and an electric connection between the signal processing circuitry and a measurement circuitry comprised in the spindle. Furthermore, there is provided a cycling apparatus comprising the above-mentioned apparatus. |
| US09127964B2 |
Low power vehicle detection
A parking meter detects an object in proximity, based on a change in a proximity measurement at the meter, activates a directional sensor in response to detecting the object, receives sensor data at a meter processor from the directional sensor, wherein the received sensor data indicates a predetermined direction to the detected object relative to the meter. The parking meter determines a presence of the object, or lack thereof, in the predetermined direction based on the sensor data, and upon a positive determination of the presence of the object, stores an indication of the presence of the object along with a time of the positive determination. |
| US09127963B2 |
Selection of bellwether smart grid meters
A method for selection of bellwether smart meters from a plurality of smart meters in a power grid can include for at least each of a subset of the plurality of smart meters, monitoring a meter; determining at least one anomaly in the meter, in response to a determination of an anomaly in the meter, assigning a weight to the anomaly, determining a sum of weights of anomalies in the meter and selecting a sub group of the plurality of smart meters as bellwether meters. |
| US09127962B1 |
Method of configuring a personalized consumer rating area
A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance). |
| US09127961B2 |
Methods and systems for use in planning a trip
A projected route between a first location and a second location is determined. A first point-of-interest associated with a third location proximate to the projected route is determined. The first point-of-interest is presented to a user. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of locations are identified. Each location of the plurality of locations is associated with a respective time. A point-of-interest is received from a user. The point-of-interest is associated with a point-of-interest location. A projected route including the plurality of locations and the point-of-interest location is determined based at least in part on at least one time associated with the plurality of locations. |
| US09127959B2 |
System and method for delivering departure notifications
The present invention provides a system and method for determining the necessary departure time to allow for an on-time or desired arrival time at a particular location over a particular route based on the evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions. |
| US09127956B2 |
Technique for lane assignment in a vehicle
A technique for assigning lanes on a road to objects moving in a vicinity of a vehicle on the road is proposed. A method embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of providing trajectories, wherein the or each trajectory represents a time sequence of positions of a moving object; selecting first and second objects and determining a distance between a current position of the first object and the trajectory of the second object; comparing the distance with a predefined threshold; and providing, based on a result of the comparison, a lane assignment indicating a lane to which the second object is assigned. |
| US09127940B2 |
Depth guide system for use with watercraft trailers, lifts, and the like
A depth guide system gives an operator of a watercraft carrier an alert that the carrier is at a proper water depth to launch or stow the watercraft. The system includes an activator device or sensor having a housing vertically adjustable along a length of a vertical member. The device activates and deactivates the alert based on water level within the housing. When water is absent from the housing, the device activates a first LED at the top of the vertical member. When water located within the housing is sufficient to electrically connect two contacts, the device deactivates the first LED and activates a second LED of a different color at the top of the vertical member and can also activate an audible alert. A proximity sensor can be included which warns of any obstructions around the perimeter of the watercraft carrier via a secondary audible alarm. |
| US09127939B2 |
Shape measurement method for combining partial measurements
The present invention provides a stitch measurement method for making a plurality of partial measurements, and obtaining an overall shape by combining partial measurement results, including a step of dividing, on lattices, each peripheral partial measurement region including an external portion of an overall measurement region into a first region inside the overall measurement region and a second region outside the overall measurement region, and dividing each central partial measurement region which does not include any external portion of the overall measurement region into a first region and a second region according to division patterns of the peripheral partial measurement region, a step of formulating first orthogonal function sequences on the first regions, and a step of defining linear combinations of respective functions of the first orthogonal function sequences on the first regions as first system errors for the respective partial measurement regions on the overall measurement region. |
| US09127938B2 |
High-resolution surface measurement systems and methods
This disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for capturing and measuring surface topography. This disclosure provides a high resolution retrographic sensor comprising a volume of elastomer and a thin, opaque reflective membrane. The reflective membrane is arranged to conform to a specimen that contacts it. The disclosure provides a high resolution visualization system comprising the retrographic sensor and an illumination source. Also provided are high resolution measurement systems comprising the retrographic sensor, an illumination source, an imaging device, and a processing component. |
| US09127934B2 |
Space imaging overlay inspection method and array substrate
Embodiments of the invention discloses a space imaging overlay inspection method and an array substrate; the method comprises: forming a thin film having a space imaging overlay mark by photolithography; when the thin film is a transparent thin film, performing a color developing treatment on the space imaging overlay mark on the transparent thin film, so as to make the space imaging overlay mark appear in a non-transparent color; and conducting a space imaging overlay inspection between the transparent thin film and an adjacent thin film by using the space imaging overlay mark appear appearing in the non-transparent color. In the method, by conducting the color developing treatment to the space imaging overlay mark on the transparent thin film and then conducting positioning, the space imaging overlay mark can be positioned quickly and accurately, thus alignment condition between two photolithography procedures can be detected swiftly and effectively. |
| US09127933B2 |
Method of fabricating surface nanoscale axial photonic devices
A method of characterizing and correcting effective radius variations in a surface nanoscale axial photonic (SNAP) device that comprises a plurality of separate optical microdevices includes the steps of characterizing an as-fabricated SNAP device to determine local effective radius values of the plurality of separate optical microdevices, calibrating the as-fabricated SNAP device to determine a correction factor defined as a change in effective radius associated with a predetermined corrective treatment and then correcting individual microdevices by the application of a number of refractive index-changing treatments, the number of treatments applied to individual microdevices determined by the amount of correction required and the correction factor determined in the calibrating step. A number of iterations of the characterizing and correcting operations can be performed, achieving less than an Angstrom variation in effective radius variation. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. |
| US09127931B2 |
Thickness-information acquisition apparatus, thickness-information acquisition method, thickness-information acquisition program and microscope
A thickness-information acquisition apparatus includes: an image acquisition section configured to acquire a phase-difference image of a sample; a correlation-distribution computation section configured to compute a correlation distribution of an image in the phase-difference image with respect to pixels of another image in the phase-difference image; and a thickness-information acquisition section configured to acquire information on the thickness of the sample in accordance with the correlation distribution. |
| US09127927B2 |
Techniques for optimized scatterometry
Provided are optimized scatterometry techniques for evaluating a diffracting structure. In one embodiment, a method includes computing a finite-difference derivative of a field matrix with respect to first parameters (including a geometric parameter of the diffracting structure), computing an analytic derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to the field matrix, computing a derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to the first parameters, and computing a finite-difference derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to second parameters (including a non-geometric parameter). In one embodiment, a method includes generating a transfer matrix having Taylor Series approximations for elements, and decomposing the field matrix into two or more smaller matrices based on symmetry between the incident light and the diffracting structure. |
| US09127926B2 |
Repair-pipe/designed-pipe measuring system
Provided is a repair-pipeldesig led-pipe measuring system for measuring the flange faces of a pair of flanges at both ends of a repair pipe or a designed pipe and obtaining spatial position data of the flange faces, the repair pipe being brought in a factory and repaired when a defect such as leakage occurs in a pipe used for carrying a liquid or a gas in ships, plants, and other places in order that the defective portion is reworked, and the designed pipe being made on the basis of a design in order that the error between the design and itself is checked. An object (2) to be measured such as a pipe or the like is set between a reference stage to which a position measuring device (3) previously invented by the present inventor for the purpose of another use is attached and a related stage which is processed to have an accurate positional relationship with respect to the reference stage and to which the position measuring device is attachable. The object to be measured is measured from both the reference stage side and the related stage side by using the position measuring devices, which the position measuring devices may be moved by connecting the reference stage with the related stage by a sliding mechanism. This accurately checks the positional relationship of the flanges at both ends of a pipe or the like. |
| US09127924B2 |
Interferometer
An interferometer includes a light source, beam splitter, measuring reflector, reference retroreflector, detector system, and two transparent plane plates. The beam splitter splits a first beam of rays, emitted by the light source, into at least one measuring beam and at least one reference beam, defining a first splitting plane. The measuring beam propagates in a measuring arm and the reference beam propagates in a reference arm until being recombined at a recombining location, which is oriented parallel to the first splitting plane. The measuring reflector is disposed in the measuring arm, and the reference retroreflector is disposed in the reference arm. The first and second transparent plane plates are disposed parallel to each other in the beam path between the light source and the detector system. The reference retroreflector is formed in the first plane plate and the beam splitter is disposed on the second plane plate. |
| US09127923B2 |
Probe system and method for operating a probe system
A probe system includes a probe head and a transceiver element. The probe head and the transceiver element are configured to allow a signal communication to be established between them, optionally in two modes, such that in the first mode, the transceiver element is able to transmit a signal, which is able to be received by the probe head, and in response to the received signal, the probe head is able to transmit an acknowledge signal. In the second mode, when a stylus is touched, a sensor element is able to generate a sensor signal, which is transmittable by the probe head and receivable by the transceiver element, and in response to the received sensor signal, the transceiver element is able to transmit an acknowledge signal. |
| US09127922B2 |
Probe and method for operating a probe
A probe is configured such that an output current pulse is able to be delivered by the charge storage at defined intervals to a load. A mean power to be fed to the charge storage is ascertainable for a subsequent time interval, and the level of the mean input power, which is to be drawn by the voltage transformer from the power source, is specifiable as a function of the ascertained mean power. The voltage transformer is controllable accordingly. |
| US09127921B2 |
Detonator device communication
A method of communicating with a detonator device using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to read data from the device, and to transmit information and commands to the device. |
| US09127920B2 |
Pyrotechnic slug
A pyrotechnic slug, intended to be used by bomb squads to neutralize explosive devices, comprising a hollow cylinder, having an internal space, and having a projectile body made of non-metallic material, the projectile body having a closed front end and an open back end receiving a slug plug, the internal space containing a mixture cavity holding a pyrotechnic mixture, which upon ignition and explosion thereof is configured to create a weak pressure wave, and the pyrotechnic slug having an operating system comprising at least one selected from a list including: a) a mechanical impact firing system; and b) a delayed operating system; wherein the pyrotechnic slug is configured to be propelled from a barrel by one of: a) a separate cartridge; b) a unified slug comprising the projectile body inserted into a cartridge; and c) a rocket motor. |
| US09127918B2 |
Distributed ordnance system, multiple stage ordnance system, and related methods
A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed. |
| US09127912B2 |
Rifle scope
A rifle scope having a body and a reticle mounted within the body, an elevation adjustment means for adjusting an elevation sighting of the reticle and including a vertically oriented elevation adjustment knob extending from a side of the body and being rotatable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis to vertically adjust the elevation sighting of the reticle, and a windage adjustment means for adjusting the windage sighting of the retical and including a horizontally oriented windage adjustment knob extending from the body so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis to adjust the windage sighting of the reticle. |
| US09127908B2 |
Multimode unmanned aerial vehicle
A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change. |
| US09127900B2 |
Launcher device for launching a series of items into a spin
A toy launcher that can launch multiple consecutive devices into a spin is described. The toy launcher includes a housing adapted to receive an item to be launched. The housing includes a bunching mechanism to force the item from the launcher. Additionally, a protrusion is positioned in front of the launching mechanism such that art item launched from the launching mechanism engages with the protrusion, forcing the item into a spin as it exits the launcher. |
| US09127899B2 |
Multipurpose tool for maintaining a firearm
A multipurpose tool for maintaining a rifle, comprising a planar body including a wider portion and a narrower portion of a first edge and a curved transition portion therebetween, wherein the narrower portion terminates in a hook-shaped element having a flat portion whose dimension is less that the outer diameter of a bolt piston of the rifle; an arm pivotably attached to the planar body and terminating in first and second prongs defining a notch sized to fit over a front sight adjusting screw of an AR or AK type rifle; and a pin pivotably joining the planar body and the arm. The body may further comprise a notch formed in a second edge opposite the first edge for assisting in disengaging a gas tube release lever of the rifle. The body may further comprise a scraper sized to fit within the gas block of the rifle. |
| US09127894B2 |
Device having a heat exchanger for a thermoelectric generator of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle having the device
A device having a heat exchanger includes a housing having a first end side and a second end side disposed along an axial direction, an inlet at the first end side and an outlet at the second end side for a fluid, a first annular channel connected to the inlet and a second annular channel upstream of the outlet, at least one outer jacket tube and at least one inner jacket tube disposed mutually concentrically and defining an intermediate space therebetween, a plurality of flow paths for the fluid extending in the axial direction in the intermediate space and interconnecting the first channel and the second channel, and at least one heat exchanger tube disposed in each of the plurality of flow paths. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09127893B2 |
Device for influencing the flow in the region of a tube support plate of a tube bundle heat exchanger
The present invention is related to a device for influencing the flow in the region of a tube support plate (700, 800) of a tube bundle heat exchanger (100), for the food and beverage industry in particular. A displacement body (10, 11) is provided with a shank part (10c, 11c) which extends in the direction of its axis of symmetry (S) and which, at its end distal to the displacement body (10, 11) is fixedly connected to a connection bend (1000) or connection fitting (1100; 1200) which follows the exchanger flange (500; 1100e) or the connecting piece (800d). |
| US09127886B2 |
Multistage furnace system
The invention provides a multistage heating system including a compact multistage furnace of which the installation area in a factory is decreased and a work carrier machine. A multistage furnace is configured by piling up a plurality of furnace units in the vertical direction. Each of the furnace units includes an upper heater and a lower heater, support pipes disposed on the upper heater and extending in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of work support bars mounted over the support pipes. A work carrier machine includes work carrier bars extending in the horizontal direction, a horizontal motion mechanism connecting the ends of the work carrier bars and move the work carrier bars on horizontal rails, and a vertical motion mechanism moving the body of the work carrier machine including the horizontal rails on vertical rails. |
| US09127885B2 |
Portable clothing dryer
A portable garment dryer, operable with a portable electric hair dryer which includes an outlet nozzle that can produce a heated airflow, the portable garment dryer including: a. a housing formed by sidewalls, an open top end and a closed bottom end, the housing being telescopically collapsible in a top to bottom direction from an extended state to a contracted state, the housing side wall having an aperture extending transversely therethrough and into which the outlet nozzle of a portable electric hair dryer is insertable for directing a heated airflow into and through the housing and out the top end thereof, and b. a perforated garment support mountable in the housing, the garment support adapted to support at least one garment in the heated airflow when the outlet nozzle of a portable hair dryer is inserted into the aperture in said housing wall, whereby the garment can be dried by the heated airflow from the portable hair dryer. |
| US09127884B2 |
Acoustic drying system with interspersed exhaust channels
An acoustic air impingement drying system is provided for drying a material. An inlet chamber receives air from an airflow source provides air at a supply flow rate. A plurality of acoustic resonant chambers are provided, each having an inlet slot that receives air from the inlet chamber and an outlet slot that directs air onto the material, wherein the acoustic resonant chambers impart acoustic energy to the transiting air, the outlet slots being oriented at an oblique angle relative to the width dimension of the pneumatic transducer unit. A plurality of exhaust air channels interspersed between the outlet slots remove the air directed onto the material by the acoustic resonant chambers. A blower pulls air through the exhaust air channels at an exhaust flow rate. |
| US09127882B2 |
Drying method
The invention provides a method for the drying of a wet substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate material at ambient or elevated temperature, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls, wherein the drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated so as to facilitate increased mechanical action between the substrate and the particulate material. Preferably, the drum comprising perforated side walls has a capacity of between 5 and 50 liters for each kg of fabric in the load and is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 0.99 G, and the method is carried out at a temperature of between 5° and 120° C. Preferably, the solid particulate material comprises a multiplicity of particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, wherein the particles comprise polymeric particles, non-polymeric particles, or mixtures of polymeric and non-polymeric particles. All particles may be solid or hollow in their structure, have smooth or irregular surface features, and are of such a shape and size as to allow for good flowability and intimate contact with the wet substrate. The invention provides optimum drying performance as a result of improved mechanical interaction between substrate and particulate media and is preferably used for the drying of textile fabrics. The method allows for significant reduction in the consumption of energy when compared with the conventional tumble drying of textile fabrics, and also facilitates reduced textile fabric damage. |
| US09127880B2 |
Refrigerator vegetable room with variable pressure
The present disclosure relates to pressure control in a vegetable room of a refrigerator, and particularly, to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which pressure is controlled according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which different pressures are applied according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes such that each pressure corresponds to storage conditions of storage items such as vegetable and fruit stored in an airtight state therein, whereby each storage item is maintained with optimal freshness. The vegetable room for keeping vegetables in storage in a refrigerator, includes: a storage chamber configured to keep food items in storage therein; a controller configured to adjust pressure within the storage chamber; and a vacuum pump configured to draw in air within the airtight storage chamber, wherein the controller may selectively adjust pressure according to a storage item kept in storage within the storage chamber, whereby the vegetable room of the refrigerator may have a plurality of operation modes. |
| US09127879B2 |
Refrigerator having door opening unit
Disclosed is a refrigerator having a door opening unit (100), and more particularly is a refrigerator which provides easier opening of a door that is used to open and close a storage compartment. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door coupled to the main body in a slidingly movable manner to open and close the storage compartment, a handle (120) provided at the door in a pivotally rotatable manner, and a door opening unit (100) connected to the handle (120) to come into contact with the main body. The door opening unit (100) serves to move the door by applying pressure to the main body via pivotal rotation of the handle (120), thereby opening the storage compartment. |
| US09127877B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator having a cantilever shelf which includes a pair of side frames, a fixed shelf including a rear frame that connects the pair of side frames and is coupled to a shelf coupling unit, a slide shelf provided so as to be slidably movable in forward and rearward directions between the pair of side frames, and a folding shelf rotatably provided between the pair of side frames at a rear side of the slide shelf. |
| US09127875B2 |
Variable power defrost heater
A refrigeration appliance includes a storage compartment. An evaporator cools the storage compartment. A defrost heater is associated with the evaporator. A temperature sensor senses an evaporator temperature and generates a temperature signal based on the evaporator temperature. A controller receives the temperature signal and generates a defrost heater power control signal. A power supply receives the defrost heater power control signal and controls a power level supplied to the defrost heater based on the defrost heater power control signal. A first power level is supplied to the defrost heater during a first heating interval of a defrosting operation, and, based on an evaporator temperature rise occurring during the first heating interval, the controller adjusts the defrost heater power control signal such that an adjusted power level is supplied to the defrost heater during a second heating interval of the defrosting operation. |
| US09127874B2 |
LED lamp and illumination area having same
A freezer lamp includes a strip lamp holder, a light module, a socket, and a plurality of decks. The light module is disposed in the strip lamp holder. The socket is disposed on the end of the strip lamp holder and electrically connected to the light module. The strip lamp holder includes a main lateral surface and a mounting lateral surface. An installation groove is formed in the main lateral surface along length direction thereof. The light module is received into the installation groove. Two clamping grooves are formed in the mounting lateral surface along length direction thereof and are spaced apart from each other. Each of the decks includes two clamping edges which are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two clamping edges is exactly equal to that between the two clamping grooves. The clamping edge is cooperating with the corresponding buckle of the clamping groove. |
| US09127866B2 |
Hybrid heating system
Hybrid heating system including: a heat pump water heating system; sensors, for measuring a system parameter; an input arrangement providing cost data pertaining to a first power cost for supplying power to the heat pump system, and to cost information pertaining to a second power cost for operating a conventional heating system; a processor storing criteria specifying when to operate the heat pump and conventional systems, the processor receiving and processing: cost data; cost information; system parameter data; flow information on a heat exchange system circulation arrangement, and heat pump system power consumption information and concurrently operating, upon demand, the heat pump system and a chiller system in opposite heating modes; wherein, when the chiller system operates in a cooling mode, the processor processes the cost data and information, system parameter data, and flow and power consumption information, and controls the systems based on the criteria. |
| US09127865B2 |
Air conditioning system including a bypass pipe
An air conditioning system includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger that discharges evaporated refrigerant, and a first pipe coupling the outdoor heat exchanger and the compressor, where the first pipe allows the outdoor heat exchanger to receive at least a portion of the compressed refrigerant from the compressor. |
| US09127863B2 |
Mounting for solar panels
A mounting for solar panels has fixings which enable it to be easily attached to other mountings for a solar array and can be made of recycled plastic by vacuum forming. |
| US09127860B2 |
Solar energy absorber unit and solar energy device containing same
The invention relates to a solar energy absorber unit for a solar energy device, and methods of producing the same. The unit includes a collector plate having a front surface adapted to absorb solar energy and a rear surface. A rear panel has an inner surface attached to areas of the rear surface of the collector plate via a fluid-tight bond but leaving a fluid-conveying channel between the areas of the rear surface of the plate where the panel is attached. The collector plate and preferably the rear panel are each made of a core layer of an aluminum alloy provided with a cladding layer formed on a side of the core layer that confronts the fluid-conveying channel, the cladding layer being made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a total content of alloying elements and impurities, if any, of no more than 0.5 wt. %. |
| US09127859B2 |
Multi-point cooling system for a solar concentrator
A solar concentrator includes an optical member having a focal point. The optical member is configured and disposed to direct incident solar radiation to the focal point. A support member is positioned adjacent to the focal point of the optical member. A solar energy collector is supported upon the support member. The solar energy collector is positioned at the focal point of the optical member. A base member is positioned in a spaced relationship from the support member. The base member and the support member define a chamber section that is in a heat exchange relationship with the solar energy collector. The chamber section is configured to absorb and dissipate heat from the solar energy collectors. |
| US09127858B2 |
Multi-circuit manifold and method for a geothermal energy system
A geothermal energy system including a heat pump. The system includes a first manifold and a second manifold and a plurality of pipes. Each manifold includes a housing having a first end and a second end. A single orifice is defined in the first end and a plurality of orifices are defined in the second end. Each of the orifices in the second end define a terminus of a tube extension. Each tube extension is configured an angular distance from an adjacent tube extension. Each tube extension is orientated such that the longitudinal center line of each tube extension intersects at a point on the longitudinal center line of the single orifice defined in the first end of the housing. The first and second manifolds and the plurality of pipes are in fluid communication with the heat pump and configured to transfer thermal energy with a geothermal energy source. |
| US09127857B2 |
High efficiency solar receiver
A solar receiver includes a multi-sided central assembly with wing assemblies extending from corners thereof. The central assembly includes one-sided heat absorption panels, while the wing assemblies use two-sided heat absorption panels. Stiffener structures run across the exposed faces of the various heat absorption panels. |
| US09127854B2 |
Damper vane and housing construction
A damper having a housing includes a rotatable damper vane therein constructed to minimize the passage of air between the vane and the housing when the vane is in a closed position. The housing includes a pair of opposed walls having a channel or flute therein adjacent outer edges of the vane when the vane is in the closed position. The outer edges of the vane terminate in domed or arcuate shaped surfaces that generally correspond with the channel. The arcuate shaped surfaces are a distance apart that is greater than a distance between the opposed walls such that the arcuate shaped surfaces are received in the channels when the vane is in the closed position. The housing also includes a pair of opposed sidewalls having a ridge therein at a location that aligns with an edge of the vane when the vane is in the closed position. |
| US09127852B2 |
Air purifier and an operating method for the same
Disclosed is an air purifier able to maintain the normal state of drive of a disk-shaped humidification filter by controlling the state of rotation of the humidification filter. The air purifier can maintain the normal state of drive of the humidification filter by using a stepping motor and the control unit in order to vary the state of rotation of the humidification filter and thereby remove extraneous material when the humidification filter is rotating abnormally due to extraneous material. |
| US09127851B2 |
Heating and cooling system including a heat pump and a heat storage tank
A heating and cooling system including a heat pump and a heat storage tank. Stored heat or cold is released from the heat storage tank for heating or cooling a house for a whole day. The heating and cooling system has five working modes: compressor heating or cooling, compressor charging, compressor discharging for heating or cooling, water pump charging and water pump discharging for heating or cooling. |
| US09127847B2 |
Multi-burner high-pressure portable stove having independently controlled regulators
A multi-burner high-pressure portable stove having independently regulated burners is provided. The stove is especially suitable for camping. The stove provides similar functionality as a typical kitchen range by allowing a user to efficiently control the amount of fuel utilized by each individual burner of the stove. The stove further allows the user to independently control varying flame amounts of each burner so as a user may select between, simmer, medium, high or anything in-between for each burner. The regulators have a dual-lead stem thread knob which allows for quick and easy adjustments. The regulators are safely secured within a housing of the stove. In an embodiment, the regulators may be located outside the housing of the stove. |
| US09127842B2 |
Burner, operating method and assembly method
A burner incorporating a pilot cone and a mounting insert is provided. The pilot cone is constructed as a pilot cone assembly which is decoupled from the mounting insert. Further, an operating method for increasing the service life of a burner which incorporates a pilot cone assembly and a mounting insert is provided. The pilot cone assembly has a cone side and incorporates at least one further side where the further side is arranged to be essentially parallel to one of the sides of the mounting insert and spaced apart from it, so that between the further side and the side of the mounting insert there is a defined gap. In an operation of the burner, the gap is significantly reduced by the thermal expansion in at least at one point of contact between the further side and the side of the mounting insert. Finally, an assembly method is provided. |
| US09127840B2 |
Methods and devices for producing fire tinder
Fire starters are disclosed. Methods of using the fire starter are disclosed. Methods of producing fire starters are also disclosed. |
| US09127838B2 |
Gas burner for cooking appliances
An improved gas burner for cooking appliances, with an inner central portion (40) defining an inner chamber (52) provided with a central flame ring (72) and with an outer portion (42) concentric with said central portion (40) defining an outer chamber (47) provided with at least one outer flame ring (78), characterised by comprising a pair of first injectors (14) of substantially horizontal axis, symmetrically disposed about a diametrical vertical plane of said burner, said first injectors (14) being associated with respective adjacent venturi conduits (24) with substantially horizontal parallel axes, feeding said outer portion (42) with a gas/primary air mixture to generate said outer flame ring (78), said adjacent conduits (24) being spaced apart to define a space within which a second injector (16) of vertical axis is disposed facing a venturi conduit (50) of vertical axis feeding said inner central portion (40) with a gas/primary air mixture to generate said central flame ring (72). |
| US09127837B2 |
Low pressure drop, low NOx, induced draft gas heaters
An improved induced draft gas burner assembly for low NOx residential and light commercial gas furnaces is disclosed. The improved burner includes an upstream assembly coupled to a fuel inlet and an air inlet. The air inlet is coupled to a neck extending between the air inlet and the outlet of the neck, both of which may be disposed within an optional chamber. If used, such a chamber also includes an outlet coupled to a burner. In practice, the chamber and neck behave as a Helmholtz resonator that can be tuned to provide an upstream impedance Zup that exceeds the downstream impedance Zdown of the components downstream of the burner assembly. |
| US09127836B2 |
Combustion burner and boiler including the same
A combustion burner 1 includes a fuel nozzle 2 that injects fuel gas prepared by mixing solid fuel and primary air, secondary air nozzles 3, 4 that inject secondary air from the outer periphery of the fuel nozzle 2, and a flame holder 5 that is arranged in an opening of the fuel nozzle 2. In the combustion burner 1, the flame holder 5 has a splitting shape that widens in the flow direction of the fuel gas. When seen in cross section along a direction in which the flame holder 5 widens, the cross section passing through the central axis of the fuel nozzle 2, a maximum distance h from the central axis of the fuel nozzle 2 to the widened end of the flame holder 5 and an inside diameter r of the opening 21 of the fuel nozzle 2 satisfy h/(r/2)<0.6. |
| US09127826B2 |
Indirect lighting luminaire
A luminaire comprising a reflector having first and second outer edges and defining a downwardly open recess, the reflector defining a downwardly depending peak dividing the downwardly open recess into two troughs; a light source located at each of the first and second outer edges and configured to emit light into the downwardly open recess. |
| US09127825B2 |
Day/night switchable light adjusting device and light adjusting method thereof
A day/night switchable light adjusting device and light adjusting method thereof are provided. The day/night switchable light adjusting device is composed of a plurality of panels; each panel includes a reflecting surface and at least one lighting unit. Each lighting unit can emit various wavelength region lights, and the various wavelength lights are mixed on a light collecting component. A control unit is provided for adjusting the various wavelength region lights corresponding to day/night variation. A light intensity of a cyan region light or a blue region light is reduced for preventing an over-inhibition on a quantity of Melatonin. |
| US09127821B2 |
Partially recessed luminaire
A luminaire includes a fixture, a light engine, and a heat flange. The fixture is configured to be received in a recess of a support surface and defines a cavity having a radius R. The light engine is disposed within the cavity and includes at least one light source. The heat flange is disposed about a distal end region of the fixture and includes a hollow, generally conical frustum shape extending radially outwardly from the fixture and extending away from the distal end region of the fixture. A distal-most end of the heat flange is configured to be disposed a distance D from the support surface when the fixture is received in the recess, the distance D being greater than or equal to 0.4R. Thermal energy is conductively transferred from the light engine, through the fixture, to the heat flange where the thermal energy is convectively transferred from the heat flange to surrounding air to create air currents flowing along the support surface thereby reducing the junction temperature. |
| US09127816B2 |
LED light engine/heat sink assembly
According to a first embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light engine is described. The light emitting diode includes one or more LED devices disposed on a front side of an LED light engine substrate. A heat sink having a mating receptacle for the LED light engine is also provided. The LED light engine substrate and the mating receptacle of the heat sink define a tapered fitting by which the LED light engine is retained in the mating receptacle of the heat sink. |
| US09127815B2 |
Lighting apparatus
This lighting apparatus includes three or more LEDs arranged in a row. Each of the LEDs emits light of a color different from that of an LED adjacent to itself, and the LEDs include an LED having a relatively wide light distribution angle and others of the three or more LEDs each having a relatively narrow light distribution angle. The one LED is arranged in an inner portion in the row of the other LEDs. In this configuration, light emitted from the one LED is mixed well with lights emitted from the respective other LEDs adjacent to the one LED, and thus, color unevenness of illuminating light can be reduced. |
| US09127814B2 |
Lighting device, display device, and television device
An object of this invention is to provide a lighting device in which a predetermined distance between the LED units and the optical member can be maintained without increasing the number of the parts, and to provide a display device, and a television device including the same. The lighting device includes a chassis 21, an LED unit 30, and an optical member 22. The chassis 21 houses the LED unit 30. The LED unit 30 includes an LED package 31 and a printed circuit board 32. The LED package 31 is mounted on the LED package 31. The LED package 31 includes an LED chip sealed therein and a spacer portion 37. The optical member 22 is arranged opposite the LED package 31. The spacer portion 37 is in contact with and maintains the optical member 22 having a predetermined distance away from the LED package 31. |
| US09127813B2 |
Responding to moisture at one or more zones around an outer surface of a liquid-carrying pipe
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for responding to moisture at one or more zones around an outer surface of a liquid-carrying pipe are provided. Embodiments include monitoring, by a moisture correction controller, a plurality of moisture sensors, each moisture sensor configured to detect moisture at a separate zone around the outer surface of the liquid-carrying pipe; based on the monitoring of the plurality of moisture sensors, calculating and tracking, for each zone, a level of moisture detected by a moisture sensor; based on the tracked levels of moisture detected at the zones, selecting, between condensation or a leak from within the liquid-carrying pipe as a source of the moisture detected at the zones around the liquid-carrying pipe; and administering a corrective action based on the selection of the source of the moisture detected at the zones around the liquid-carrying pipe. |
| US09127812B2 |
Vessel of a heat storage and release apparatus, heat storage and release assembly, and energy production plant
A vessel of a heat storage and release apparatus, the vessel comprises a shell comprising a metallic material, the shell having an elongated shape with a first end region and a second end region remote from the first end region, and an internal surface defining a cavity configured to contain a heat storage and release device and to guide gas-flow; a first opening through the shell for a flow of gas at high temperature and high pressure, the first opening being located in the first end region; a second opening through the shell for a flow of gas at low temperature and high pressure, the second opening being located in the second end region; and a lining of thermally insulating material adjacent to the internal surface and only partially covering the internal surface, the lining being located at least in the first end region. |
| US09127811B2 |
Hydraulic accumulator
A hydraulic accumulator comprises a pressure shell, a bladder, and a rod. The pressure shell is filament wound around a leak proof barrier/mold. The bladder is tubular and carried by the rod. The rod extends though the pressure shell and seals to the ends of the shell. The shell has generally frustoconical sections connecting the ends of the shell to mid section. The bladder is tubular and expandable. A first chamber having an annular cross section for gas is formed between the rod and the bladder. A second chamber having an annular cross section for liquid is formed between the bladder and the shell. A first flow passage is formed through an end seal means communicating with the first chamber. A second flow passage is formed though an end seal means communicating with the second chamber. |
| US09127806B2 |
Providing a rail mounting system for a mobile device case
A rail mounting system apparatus and method for a mobile device case and accessory is provided, which includes at least one case rail, at least one case slot configured to receive an accessory rail. The rail mounting system also includes a locking mechanism to secure the mobile device case and the accessory. The locking mechanism may be disengaged through use of a release mechanism. |
| US09127804B2 |
Holding device for storing holding rods on a crane
The present disclosure relates to a holding device for storing holding rods on a crane, with at least two holders, at least one securing piece and at least one lock, wherein the at least two holders comprise at least one toothed connecting surface each and at least four lead-throughs each, at least one of which each is designed as oblong hole. According to the present disclosure, the at least two holders are connectable with each other via a connector through the one oblong hole each and are connectable with the crane through at least one further lead-through each, wherein the at least two holders together comprise a common U-shaped deposition region for accommodating and horizontally fixing holding rods, and wherein the holding rods are vertically fixable by means of the at least one securing piece and the at least one lock inside the U-shaped deposition region. |
| US09127803B2 |
Pipe inspection and servicing
A pipe inspection system comprises an inspection head at the end of a flexible shaft, wherein the inspection head comprises a rigid distal end portion and a rigid intermediate portion spaced from the distal end portion by a flexible region. The flexible region comprises a series of sections with pivotal connections between adjacent sections which allow pivoting about two orthogonal axes, wherein the range of pivoting between adjacent sections is limited such that the complete series can be pivoted by a maximum angle of between 80 and 100 degrees. |
| US09127797B2 |
Connector
A connector with a connection verifying mechanism is made with a relatively small number of components, and to reduce movement of a locking member that undetachably fixes a counterpart for size reduction. The connector (1) includes a housing (3) having an insertion hole (4) into which a pipe (2) is inserted, a locking member (5) that is attached to the housing and driven from an initial position to a locked position by the pipe to undetachably fix the pipe at the locked position and an identifying member (6) that is provided in the housing and has display pieces (74, 74) that differ from the locking member in color, and the locking member shield the display pieces at the initial position and exposes the display pieces at the locked position. |
| US09127792B2 |
Flexible pipe for conveying a cryogenic fluid and associated production method
A pipe (10) including an inner corrugated tube (16) having an axis A-A′, defining a plurality of corrugations (30) leading radially towards the axis (A-A′) and at least one tensile armor layer (18), arranged around the corrugated tube (16). It includes at least one thermal insulation layer (44, 46), arranged around the armor layer (18). The pipe (10) comprises an inner sheath (14) for guiding the flow of cryogenic fluid arranged in the corrugated tube (16), the inner sheath (14) being made up of a plurality of cylindrical segments (50). Each cylindrical segment (50) of the inner sheath (14) covers a plurality of successive corrugations (30) of the corrugated tube (16) and includes an outer abutment (54) for axial wedging received in a corrugation (30) of the corrugated tube (16). |
| US09127791B2 |
Lubricated elastically biased stretch hoses
A retractable pressure hose can be created which comprises an inlet connector, an outlet connector, an inner elastic tube, an outer cover, and a lubricant disposed to reducing chafing between the inner elastic tube and the outer cover. In such a hose, the lubricant can comprise a solid lubricant such as paraffin wax or other slippery solids, a liquid lubricant such as olive oil or other slippery liquids, or a combination of solid and/or liquid lubricants. |
| US09127786B1 |
Vascular surgical clamp for holding and guiding guide wire on a sterile field
A cardiovascular surgical clamp used for retaining, identifying and positioning surgical wire for patients on a sterile field without wire injury. Opposing members with opposing recessed surfaces and back end portions are provided having removable compressible inserts with large flat matching surface areas inserted into the recesses of opposing members. The opposing members have spring/s located between them for driving them together and for manually opening them apart and have hinges formed on projecting struts for allowing simultaneous contact of the large flat matching surface areas of the removable compressible inserts for frictional engagement of wire without injury. The projecting struts of the opposing members provide guide wire surfaces proximate where hinges are formed for guiding wire there through. The opposing members and the projecting struts are moved from a closed to open position and back by compression or release of back end portions of the opposing members. |
| US09127782B2 |
Single use microfluidic valve
A microfluidic valve including a microchannel, a membrane arranged so as to seal off the microchannel and equipped with resistive units, characterized in that at least one face of the membrane includes at least one groove, and in that the resistive units are arranged in the groove and are capable, when an electric control current flows through them, of expanding sufficiently under the effect of the heat produced by the flow of the electric current to cause the rupture of at least one part of the membrane. |
| US09127781B2 |
Pinch valve
A pneumatic pinch valve having a main body, a piston supporting a plunger, and a detachable headpiece for receiving a portion of compressible tubing between the plunger and a contoured surface of the headpiece is disclosed. A first safety cap which may restrict access to the plunger when the valve is operated and a manual override handle which may open the plunger are also provided. The pneumatic pinch valve is opened by the injection of gas through an air inlet port to a pneumatic chamber. The headpiece and plunger are configured to compress a portion of flexible tubing in a manner which reduces or eliminates damage to the tubing even after repeated open/close cycles. Further, the pinch valve may be installed onto an existing process system without disruption of fluid flow. Also disclosed is a manual version of the pinch valve. |
| US09127780B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve includes a housing within which is arranged a coil wound onto a coil former, an armature, a core, and a multiple-part return path arrangement, which together form an electromagnetic circuit. The armature is configured to be movable and to act at least indirectly on a valve closure element mounted in the coil former via a bearing. The multiple-part return-path arrangement comprises at least one return-path cover section, a return-path side section and a return-path inner section. The return-path inner section is arranged in the coil former. |
| US09127774B2 |
Control valve assembly
In a system for optimizing natural gas production in response to real-time variations in wellbore parameters, a PLC or other wellsite intelligence technology is used to monitor liquid and gas production from the wellbore under friction-loaded conditions. Using baseline production data obtained during production tests, the PLC determines and initiates the appropriate operating mode for the wellbore to optimize a selected production criterion to suit measured wellbore parameters. The operating mode either a continuous clean-out mode, in which gas is continuously injected into the wellbore to control liquid loading, or an intermittent clean-out, in which liquid loading is regulated by intermittent gas injection. In preferred embodiments, the system uses bladder-type control valves having upstream and downstream solenoids, to control production tubing flow rate within a range between upper and lower set points. |
| US09127772B2 |
Rotary kiln end sealing assembly
The present invention belongs to the field of retorting apparatus used in the field of oil shale processing, in particular the invention relates to the end sealing assembly of the rotary kiln and the improvements of the end sealing (16); whereas the first and second casing ring (2, 3) used in the end sealing compose of at least four segment, and onto both sides of the rotating casing ring (1) a rectangulary cut hollow (81, 91) for lubricants has been formed; and on the side that is assembled with the rotating casing ring of the first and second casing ring (2, 3), accordingly, a hollow (82, 93) has been formed for lubricants, which in the making face the corresponding hollow (81, 91) of the casing ring, forming lubricant channels (8, 9) between the casing ring (1) of the end sealing assembly and the first and second casing ring (2, 3). |
| US09127771B2 |
Fluid pressure apparatus
In a fluid pressure apparatus, a packing is constituted from an annular seal member made of an elastic rubber material, and support rings made of a material possessing low friction, which are mounted on an outer circumference of the seal member. The seal member includes, on an outer circumference thereof, a sealing projection, shoulder portions formed on both sides of the sealing projection, and concave grooves interposed between the shoulder portions and the sealing projection. The support rings include support surfaces on outer circumferences thereof, and engagement projections on inner circumferences thereof, such that by engagement of the projections in the concave grooves, the support rings are mounted on the seal member so as to surround outer circumferences of the shoulder portions. |
| US09127768B2 |
Gasket for cylinder head
A gasket for arrangement between a cylinder block and cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The gasket includes a lubricant hole through which lubricant is supplied to the cylinder head. A high pressure bead extends around the lubricant hole. A low pressure bead is extends around the high pressure bead and at least partially extends around a hollow portion, which is in communication with a lubricant reservoir of the engine, when the gasket is arranged between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. |
| US09127767B2 |
Device for the automatic operation of a manual gear box
An operating device for an automatically switched manual gearbox. The gearbox has a movable engagement element for each gear. The device has rotary shafts (1) and rotatable shift fingers (2, 3, 4) to move selected engagement elements each for a gear. Each separate shift finger (2, 3, 4) is associated with a specific engagement element. Each shaft finger (2, 3, 4) is separately pivotable independently of the other shift fingers (2, 3, 4). An axially shiftable slide has a connector to each of the fingers at respective axially shifted positions of the slide. |
| US09127765B2 |
Vehicle drive apparatus control apparatus
A control device of a vehicle drive device includes a mechanical oil pump, a hydraulic power transmission device transmitting power of the engine and the electric motor to drive wheels via an interposed engagement device when it is engaged. While the electric motor drives the mechanical oil pump while an operation of the engine is stopped, the control device executing neutral control of putting the engagement device into a slip state or released state to suppress power transmission between the hydraulic power transmission device and the drive wheels, the hydraulic power transmission device including a lockup clutch mechanically coupling input and output members of the hydraulic power transmission device when engaged, the lockup clutch being engaged during executing of the neutral control. Also, after it is determined that the engine is likely to be restarted after a stop of operation while the vehicle remains stopped, the lockup clutch being released. |
| US09127764B2 |
Gear for use in fishing reel
One object is to provide a gear to be included in a fishing reel to produce excellent rotation feeling while reducing the weight relative to the strength. In accordance with one aspect, a drive gear included in a fishing reel is formed of a circumferential part having tooth surfaces and a body part radially inside the circumferential part which are made of different materials and integrated together. These materials satisfy the following conditions: S1>S2, P1>P2, and F1 |
| US09127761B2 |
Guide plate for shift lever device
A guide plate for a shift lever device, which is formed in correspondence with a movement range of a momentary type shift lever that automatically returns to a home position after being operated, is provided with an elastic member that includes an operation hole. The elastic member restricts the movement range of the shift lever and guides movement of the shift lever. An impact absorption mechanism is formed in the elastic member and absorbs impact of the shift lever when the shift lever automatically returns to the home position. The impact absorption mechanism includes a slit arranged proximal to the operation hole. A seat that is capable of absorbing impact of the shift lever is arranged closer to the operation hole than the slit. A stopper arranged at a back side of the seat relative to the slit supports inwardly curved deformation of the seat. |
| US09127760B1 |
Differential assembly shroud member for spin loss reduction
An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing assembly having a carrier housing and a differential assembly mounted in the carrier housing for rotation about a rotational axis. In an exemplary implementation, the differential assembly includes a unitary differential case, a differential gear set and a shroud member. The differential case defines an interior cavity and a window having an outer perimeter, where the window is configured to provide access to the interior cavity for assembling the gear set into the interior cavity. The shroud member is configured to be removably coupled to the differential case to cover the window and provide a radiused contour aligning with a radiused contour of the differential case thereby reducing spin losses when the differential assembly is rotating relative to the axle housing assembly. |
| US09127759B2 |
Thrust washer and torque converter containing the same
A thrust washer for a torque converter, the thrust washer having a curved front surface with a plurality of grooves for increasing fluid flow between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust washer. This increased fluid flow reduces the buildup of back pressure within the torque converter enabling better operation thereof. |
| US09127757B2 |
Device for transmitting a movement for shifting gears in a motor vehicle gearbox
At least one insert is overmoulded in a body made of a thermoplastic resin. The at least one insert has a modulus of elasticity at least twice as high as that of the thermoplastic resin and is shaped to constitute a selector cooperating with a recess of a selected crosspiece. The thermoplastic resin is capable of linking the function or functions performed by the at least one insert. |
| US09127751B2 |
Gearbox for a tap changer, a tap changer and a transformer
A gearbox for a tap changer. The gearbox has an input drive shaft arranged to be connected to a motor. The gearbox also has a diverter switch drive output with a diverter shaft. The diverter switch drive output is arranged to be connected for actuation of breakers in a diverter switch of the tap changer. The gearbox further has first and second selector arm drive outputs arranged for actuation of a tap selector of the tap changer. It also has reduction gear means connecting the input drive shaft to the diverter switch drive output and to each of the selector arm drive outputs. Further the gearbox has timing connection means arranged to connect the reduction gear means to each of the selector arm drive outputs. The invention also relates to a tap changer having such a gearbox and to a transformer provided with such a tap changer. |
| US09127750B2 |
Control device for automatic transmission
A control device for an automatic transmission including a hydraulic actuator that is actuated on the basis of a hydraulic pressure supplied and a linear solenoid valve that controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic actuator on the basis of a driving current of a solenoid includes an ECU that executes current feedback control over a current value of the driving current that is flowed to the solenoid using at least a proportional term and an integral term on the basis of a deviation (ΔI) between a target current value (Itgt) and actual current value (Ir) of the solenoid such that the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic actuator becomes a target hydraulic pressure. The ECU increases a proportional gain (Kp) in the current feedback control as a fluid temperature (To) detected by a fluid temperature sensor increases. |
| US09127744B2 |
Camera isolator with adjustable dampening
A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. Springs are compressed between the top and bottom plates. Fluid dampeners between the top and bottom plates are connected to a valve that allows dampening to be adjusted. |
| US09127740B2 |
Anti-vibration clamp
An anti-vibration clamp for holding pipes includes a pipe holding component which further includes pipe holders for locking the pipes; a clamp body including a stud locking portion for locking to a stud, and a floating attachment portion for holding the pipe holding component; and an elastic connecting component made of soft resin placed between the pipe holding component and the clamp body so that the pipe holding component and the clamp body do not contact one another directly. The pipe holding component, the elastic connecting component and the clamp body are held so that it is difficult for them to each slip mutually. |
| US09127739B2 |
Multicomponent polymeric structure for addressing noise, vibration and harshness in structures
A method and composition for damping vibration of a substrate as well as a construction configured to achieve dampened vibration transmission. The construction includes a substrate configured to transmit NVH associated vibration in at least one frequency range. The construction also includes a first polymeric layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate element. The first polymeric layer comprises at least one material having elastomeric characteristics in a Tg range between +10 to −10° C. as outlined in ASTM E1640-00 and a hardness of between 5 and 25 as measured with the Shore A methodology outlined in ASTM D2240-00 and a second polymeric layer having elastomeric characteristics less than those exhibited by the first layer. |
| US09127738B2 |
Damper assembly
A damper assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a cap, a plunger, an annular piston, and a barrier. The inner cylinder is at least partially positioned within the outer cylinder. The cap is coupled to the inner cylinder, and the plunger is received within the inner cylinder. At least a portion of the annular piston and the barrier extend between the inner and outer cylinders. During operation of the damper assembly, the plunger moves relative to the inner cylinder and the annular piston moves relative to the outer cylinder. |
| US09127737B2 |
Unreinforced elastomeric spring wall, gas spring and method
A spring wall for securement between associated end members for forming an associated gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion that extends axially along a longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The first wall portion is formed from an unreinforced elastomeric material, and the first wall portion has a first nominal stiffness value. A second wall portion extends along the longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The second wall portion is disposed in longitudinal relation to the first wall portion and has a second nominal stiffness value that is different from the first nominal stiffness value of the first wall portion such that a non-constant stiffness profile is established along a longitudinal length of the spring wall. A gas spring and a gas spring and reservoir assembly utilizing such a spring wall as well as a method of manufacturing a gas spring are also included. |
| US09127735B2 |
Friction brake
A friction brake including a brake part, a friction lining, a friction surface, and a pressing device, arranged on the brake part, that is structured and arranged to press the friction lining against the friction surface. A holding part is located on the pressing device so that the friction lining rests against the holding part. An actuating part is located on the pressing device and rotatably mounted on the brake part and an actuator is structured and arranged to pivot the actuating part. A pin is rotatably mounted in the holding part and being arranged on the actuating part, and a rotational axis of the pin is eccentrically arranged with respect to a rotational axis of the actuating part. |
| US09127731B2 |
System and method for brake disk assembly
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a disk brake assembly. In this regard, a disk brake system may comprise a combination of split friction disk assemblies and solid disk assemblies. These split friction disk assemblies and/or solid disk assemblies may be arranged together in any suitable pattern or position. |
| US09127725B2 |
Switchable water pump with dual friction plate actuation
An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member or pulley and a rotatable output member or shaft. A hub cover is coupled to the pulley and includes an inner facing surface located proximal an outer friction pad or clutch plate which is fixed for rotation with the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the output member and is biased toward a position of engaging the clutch plate and the hub cover for transferring a torque from the pulley to the output shaft. A self-energizing actuator converts rotary motion of the input member or pulley to linear movement of the armature plate to further engage the clutch. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate. An electromagnet is provided for axially translating the armature plate away from the friction plate to disengage the clutch plate from the hub cover thereby disengaging the input force from the pulley. The clutch plate is coupled to the shaft using a splined coupling which does not prevent axial movement of the clutch plate on the shaft. |
| US09127715B2 |
Bearing device for motion guide device
A motion guide device includes a rolling passage formed between two members, a number of cylindrical roller bearing members disposed in the rolling passage and engaged between the members, and a number of spacers disposed in the rolling passage and engaged between the cylindrical roller bearing members, the spacers each include two opposite curved depressions for engaging with the cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical roller bearing members, and each defined by a planar middle surface, a tilted upper surface and a tilted lower surface inclined relative to the planar middle surface and the vertical axis (Z) of the spacer for selectively engaging with the cylindrical roller bearing members. |
| US09127714B2 |
Creep prevention device for a ring of a rolling bearing and bearing equipped therewith
A device including an annular groove obtained on a lateral assembly surface of a ring of a bearing in contact in use with a seat with respect to which the ring must remain stationary; a first element shaped as a circumferentially open ring and preferably defined by a circumferential ring segment having a non-constant radial thickness (S) and always smaller than a radial depth (P) of the annular groove, mounted within the annular groove free to move circumferentially in the annular groove; and a second element, shaped as a closed ring, which engages the annular groove, within which it is mounted radially superimposed on the first element on the side of the lateral assembly surface and having a constant radial thickness (F) such that the second element protrudes radially and overhangingly with respect to the lateral assembly surface at least in correspondence with part of the first element. |
| US09127712B2 |
Rolling bearing assembly device for steering column
The invention provides a rolling bearing assembly device having an inner race, an outer race, at least one row of rolling elements between the inner race and the outer race, and a sleeve mounted in the bore of the inner race. An annular elastic element is mounted axially between a radial bearing flange of the sleeve and the inner race, the elastic element having an inner bore that is able to bear against an outer surface of the sleeve so as to transmit a force having a radial component in the direction of the interior of the device. The sleeve includes at least one slot extending axially towards the inner race from a lower edge of the radial bearing flange, the lower edge being disposed on the opposite side from the inner race. |
| US09127705B2 |
Concrete masonry anchor and method of fastening
An anchoring assembly and method adapted to secure a screw fastener at a pre-drilled hole in a concrete, brick or masonry building material with an elongated engagement cavity between the screw and the pre-drilled hole radially offset to one side of and extending axially along the depth of the hole, an elongated anchor strip axially adjacent the screw including an elongated malleable and non-resilient anchor member adapted to frictionally engage both the helical threads and the building material and to frictionally engage the threads to the building material radially opposite to the engagement cavity, the malleable anchor member having at least one transverse dimension which is substantially greater than the transverse radial dimension of the axial engagement cavity. |
| US09127703B2 |
Extension pole mechanism for paint roller
An extendable pole mechanism may be used with a pair of poles that are longitudinally movable to adjust the overall length of both poles. The mechanism may include a collar that receives the poles and a roller sleeve that rotates with respect to the collar to adjust the mechanism between a use condition, where the poles are held in a longitudinally relative fixed position, and an adjustment condition, where the poles are longitudinally moveable with respect to each other. |
| US09127702B2 |
Clamping connection for mounting plate-like components, in particular solar modules
Clamping connection (1) for mounting plate-like components (13) on rail-like supports (8), in particular solar modules comprising a bearing (2), a central supporting bar (4) which is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the clamping connection (1) and has lateral wing strips (5, 6) with bearing surfaces (10, 11) for the components (13), and an abutment (7), which is present on the lower face of said supporting bar, for mounting the bearing (2) on the support (8), and a clamping cap (3) having a longitudinal groove (9) which surrounds the upper part of the supporting bar (4), and having clamping surfaces (13, 14) which cover the bearing surfaces (10, 11) of the bearing (2), and having a holding connection (25, 28, 29) for fixing the clamping cap (3) on the bearing (2), wherein the support (8) has guide grooves with edges (34) which project inwardly into the groove, and the abutment (7) is formed in a T shape, is inserted into the guide groove by way of its transverse bar (36) and engages behind the projecting edges (34) after rotation through 90°, characterized in that the bearing (2) has a passage (24), a spring disc (31) being accommodated in the center of said passage and said spring disc surrounding a retaining pin (30), which is pushed into said spring disc and is connected to the clamping cap, in a force-fitting manner and thereby fixing the clamping cap (3) to the bearing (2). |
| US09127699B2 |
Quick fit adjustment mechanism for extension pole system for paint roller
A quick fit adjustment mechanism may include a housing having one end that attaches to a pole and another end with threads that engage threads formed in one paint accessory. A lever may be used to cause actuator pins to extend from the housing to secure another paint accessory to the pole. |
| US09127698B1 |
Deck and patio anchoring device
An anchoring device for a deck or dock or similar structure comprising an anchoring member, a holding plate, and a fastener. First, the fastener is threaded through the holding plate and ring assembly. Then, the holding plate and fastener is inserted through an opening in the support structure, e.g., a narrow slot between the boards on the deck or patio, and, finally, the fastener is pulled outward in relation to the anchoring member to securely affix the anchoring member and the holding plate against two opposing sides of the support structure. |
| US09127696B2 |
Shape memory alloy powered hydraulic accumulator
A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator. The accumulator includes a first cylinder configured to receive a fluid within an internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator also includes a piston configured to move axially within the first cylinder. Axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder adjusts the internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator further includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires configured to cause the axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder. |
| US09127695B2 |
Selectable hydraulic flow control circuit
Disclosed embodiments of power machines, implements and hydraulic systems utilize a hydraulic flow control circuit and method to implement multiple modes of operation while optimizing hydraulic fluid flow to either or both of primary and secondary function devices. |
| US09127692B2 |
Guide device for a centrifugal blower
A centrifugal blower including a hollow housing and an impeller having a plurality of blades disposed in the hollow housing, wherein the impeller causes a fluid received in a fluid inlet of the hollow housing to flow in a radially outward direction to a fluid outlet of the hollow housing. A guide device for directing the flow of the fluid in the blower is disposed in the fluid inlet of the hollow housing, the guide device including a shroud configured to militate against turbulence, noise, a recirculation of flow of the fluid at the fluid inlet, and interference between the guide device and balance weights of the blower during an assembly of the blower. |
| US09127691B2 |
Compact scroll fan assembly
A radial fan assembly for use in a powered air purifying respirator includes at least an impeller, a printed circuit board and a scroll casing. The scroll casing has a first and a second scroll casing element. The second scroll casing element includes at least a portion of the printed circuit board. When the radial fan assembly is used in a powered air purifying respirators, the respirator may also include components such as a filter assembly. |
| US09127688B2 |
Fan and bearing cooling structure thereof
A bearing cooling structure includes a metal base seat and a plastic bearing cup. The metal base seat has a raised section and an extension section. The plastic bearing cup encloses the raised section and has an inner circumference defining a bearing hole. The extension section horizontally extends from the raised section toward a center of the plastic bearing cup. The extension section has a free end and an upper surface positioned in the bearing hole. A bearing is received in the bearing hole and disposed on the extension section. A bottom face of the bearing is in contact with the upper surface of the extension section. Accordingly, the heat of the bearing can be transferred (conducted) through the extension section to the metal base seat to be dissipated. A fan with the bearing cooling structure is also disclosed. |
| US09127687B2 |
Centrifugal fan
In a centrifugal fan, a casing includes: a top plate; a motor base configured to serve as a bottom plate; and a plurality of support members provided between the top plate and the motor base, wherein an opening functioning as an air outlet opening is formed at each side of the casing so as to be surrounded by adjacent support members, the top plate and the motor base, and an impeller, which is housed between the top plate and the motor base of the casing, includes: an annular shroud; and a plurality of blades arranged in the circumferential direction and provided under the shroud, wherein at least one part of each blade opposes directly the motor base of the casing, and wherein the motor base opposes the lower parts of the blades in the direction of a rotary shaft of the impeller with a predetermined air gap provided therebetween. |
| US09127686B2 |
Fan rotor protection structure
A fan rotor protection structure includes a fan wheel and an annular member. The fan wheel has a hub and a plurality of blades. The hub has a top portion and a side wall portion, which together define a receiving space in the hub. The annular member has one side aligned with and connected to an end surface of the side wall portion opposite to the top portion, and defines an opening communicable with the receiving space in the hub. With the annular member, foreign matters are stopped from entering into and accumulating in the fan rotor, enabling largely increased fan service life and more stable flow field around the fan. |
| US09127685B2 |
Regenerative vacuum pump with axial thrust balancing means
A vacuum pump rotor suitable for use in a vacuum pump is described for a vacuum pump that comprises a regenerative pumping mechanism. The rotor has a generally disc-shaped configuration and is mounted on an axial shaft for rotation relative to a stator of a vacuum pump. The rotor has a first and second opposing surface on which a rotor formations are disposed, each rotor formation defining a portion of a pump stage formed between the pump rotor and a stator for pumping gas from an inlet to an outlet in the same radial direction along the first and second opposing surface. A conduit is provided to interconnect the portions of the pump stage and assist with pressure imbalance that might occur on opposing sides of the rotor. |
| US09127669B2 |
Scroll compressor with reduced upsetting moment
A scroll compressor includes a pressing mechanism, a pushback mechanism and an adjustment mechanism. The pressing mechanism applies a pressing force toward a fixed scroll to the back side of an end plate portion of an orbiting scroll. The pushback mechanism applies a pushback force separating the orbiting scroll from a fixed scroll to the front of the orbiting scroll. The adjusting mechanism has a low-pressure portion filled with a fluid of a lower pressure than the discharge pressure of the compression mechanism, and a communicating groove formed in a sliding surface of an outer peripheral portion of the fixed scroll so as to communicate with the low-pressure portion in a first rotational angle range in order to reduce an upsetting moment of the orbiting scroll, and to be blocked from the low-pressure portion in a second rotational angle range other than the first rotational angle range. |
| US09127666B2 |
Pump motor control assembly
A pump motor assembly operable to provide driving power to a fluid pump includes a rotor, a stator, a case housing the rotor and the stator, and a control assembly mounted to the case and operable to control motor operation. The control assembly includes an information display and a cover overlying the display, with a window section in general alignment with the display. The control assembly also includes a filler plate underlying the window section to prevent any air gap along an underside thereof, allowing the display to be visible while reducing the risk of condensation buildup. The control assembly further includes a low voltage housing with the display disposed in a first compartment defined thereby, and a high voltage housing with a high voltage component disposed in a second compartment defined thereby. The low voltage housing includes a thermal and fluid barrier that substantially fluidly separates the first and second compartments to reduce the risk of liquid electrical conduction therebetween and to reduce heat transfer into the low voltage housing. |
| US09127651B2 |
Method and device for changing the pH of a solution
The invention relates to a device (22) for changing the pH of a solvent in which a substance is dissolved. The device includes a housing (24) in contact with the solvent through a housing wall (26) that is permissive to the solvent and the substance. The housing contains enzymes adapted for converting the substance in order to provide hydrogen or hydroxyle ions; the housing wall being non-permissive to the enzymes. |
| US09127645B2 |
Method for controlling a wind turbine
The invention relates to a method for controlling a wind power plant having a rotor (5) driven by wind and rotating about a horizontal or substantially horizontally aligned rotor axis (6). The rotor includes a plurality of rotor blades (1, 2, 3), each extending in the direction of a blade axis (11, 12 13) which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotor axis and about which the respective rotor blade (1, 2, 3) is rotated, wherein the rotor (5) is rotated about a vertical or substantially vertically aligned yaw axis (8) having a yaw angle velocity (γ), whereby gyroscopic loads are generated on the rotor blades (1, 2, 3), and wherein the gyroscopic loads on the rotor blades (1, 2, 3) are reduced by rotating the rotor blades (1, 2, 3) about the blade axes (11, 12, 13) thereof depending on the yaw angle velocity (γ) or a guide variable (γc) influencing said velocity. |
| US09127644B2 |
Wind turbine and an associated control method
A two-bladed partial-pitch wind turbine and a method of controlling such a wind turbine during high wind conditions are described. The turbine is operable to pitch the outer sections of the turbine rotor blades during extreme wind conditions (i.e., high wind loads) such that the outer blade sections are substantially orthogonal to the inner blade sections. This arrangement acts to reduce the extreme thrust loading experienced by the wind turbine structure during severe gusts (e.g., during hurricane or typhoon conditions), and accordingly reduces the risk of damage to the wind turbine in such conditions. |
| US09127643B2 |
Rotary motor actuator and horizontal axis wind turbine
A rotary moto actuator with a base 22, a table 21, a stator 25 and a rotor 26 of a rotary motor 31 and a first member 12 and a second member 14 of a guide mechanism 24 that have a plurality of base segments 22a, a plurality of table segments 21a, a plurality of stator segments 25a, a plurality of rotor segments 26a, a plurality of first member segments 12a and a plurality of second member segments 14, respectively, which all arranged circumferentially around a center line C. The stator segments 25a are connected to the base segments 22a, to which the first member segments 12a are connected. The rotor segments 26a are connected to the table segments 21a, to which the second member segments 14a are connected. |
| US09127640B2 |
Multi-capture mode wave energy converter with submergible float
An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) mechanically linked to a motion-stabilized frame by either swing or lever arms or down-sloping tracks that define the motion of the floats relative to the frame to capture both heave and surge wave energy forces. The submerged depth of the frame and attached float(s) is adjusted for optimal wave energy capture or submerged sufficiently to fully submerge the float(s) during severe sea conditions. The elongated float's total submergence during severe sea states and the WEC's self-orienting capability, parallel to oncoming wave fronts, allows the WEC to intercept and capture maximum wave energy per unit of WEC volume, weight and cost. |
| US09127639B2 |
System and method for water expulsion from underwater hydropower plant and hydropower plant associated therewith
Systems and methods relate to utilizing fluid potential energy to produce large scale and sustainable hydroelectric power by employing a Cho-Venturi hydraulic ram (CVHR). The CVHR system includes a Cho-Venturi tube (CVT) in which a primary flow from a fluid at a head pressure at a depth in a body of the fluid combines with a recirculation flow in a throat section of the CVT. A pressure higher than the pressure outside the plant is generated at the end of a diverging section the CVT, which enables expulsion of the fluid discharged from hydraulic turbines under atmospheric pressure to the fluid depth while another portion of the fluid is recycled for power generation. |
| US09127627B2 |
Intake device of a vertical multicylinder engine
An intake device of a multicylinder engine includes an intake manifold having a collector portion extending in a front-rear direction, an intake air introducing portion disposed at a center in the front-rear direction of the collector portion, and branch portions led out from front and rear end portions and of the collector portion. The branch portions are connected to an intake port of a cylinder head. A throttle body is disposed at an upper portion of the intake air introducing portion, and has a butterfly-type throttle valve, a valve shaft of which is oriented in the front-rear direction. A blow-by gas inlet portion is provided to the intake air introducing portion 4 of the intake manifold, and is disposed on a side to which a lower end portion of the half-open throttle valve is directed and on a downstream side of the lower end portion. |
| US09127624B2 |
Systems and methods for a hydraulically actuated engine valve
Various methods and systems are provided for controlling a hydraulically actuated engine valve. In one example, a system includes a hydraulically actuated engine valve and an engine having a first hydraulic system. The system further includes a second hydraulic system, which is separate from the first hydraulic system, and where the second hydraulic system provides fluid pressure to actuate the valve. |
| US09127621B2 |
Coatingless cylinder head gasket
A multi-layer cylinder head gasket providing improved sealing performance, stability, and a more rigid joint between two components is provided. The gasket includes a plurality of functional layers each including a full bead located between an inner edge and outer edge and surrounding a combustion chamber opening. A stopper is disposed between the functional layers and is located radially between the combustion chamber opening and the full bead. A coating material is applied to at least one surface of at least one functional layer and extends along a majority of the length of the functional layer. To achieve the improved performance, a region along the surface located between the inner edge and the full bead remains uncoated, or includes a reduced amount of the coating material. Alternatively, the stopper can be located between the combustion chamber opening and the inner edges of the functional layers to provide the uncoated region. |
| US09127619B2 |
Piston with a cooling gallery partially filled with a thermally conductive metal-containing composition
A piston for an internal combustion engine comprises a sealed cooling gallery extending circumferentially around a center axis beneath a bowl rim of an upper crown. A metal-containing composition having a high thermal conductivity fills a portion of the sealed cooling gallery to dissipate heat. The metal-containing composition includes a base material having a melting temperature less than 181° C. and a plurality of metal particles having a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the base material. For example, the metal-containing composition can comprise copper particles dispersed in silicone oil, or copper particles dispersed in a mixture of alkali metals. During high temperature operation, as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder bore, the base material is liquid and flows throughout the cooling gallery to dissipate heat away from the upper and lower crowns. |
| US09127617B2 |
Internal combustion engine having improved cooling arrangement
An improved cooling fluid passage configuration provides for uniformity of cooling about the entire periphery of a cylinder liner of an internal combustion engine in addition to improved cooling by increasing the flow in an upper water jacket of a split water jacket design. The cooling fluid passage configuration also provides a reduced pressure drop between a cylinder liner cooling fluid inlet and a cylinder head cooling fluid outlet when compared to conventional designs with a single head feed line, permitting use of a smaller cooling fluid pump and leading to increased efficiency of the engine. |
| US09127613B2 |
Fuel pressure waveform acquisition device
A fuel injection system has a fuel injector and a fuel pressure sensor. An ECU acquires a pressure waveform detected by the fuel pressure sensor during performing a multi-stage injection as a detected waveform at the time of the multi-stage injection, memorizes a model waveform, which is used as a standard of the pressure waveform when an injection that is preceding an target injection is performed without performing the target injection when any one of an injection of a second stage or later of an injection is considered as the target injection among multi-stage injections, and extracts the pressure waveform resulting from the target injection by deducting the model waveform from the detected waveform at the multi-stage injection. The ECU corrects the model waveform used for extraction by a ratio according to a maximum injection rate in the injection of the preceding stage. |
| US09127611B2 |
Method for monitoring an electromotively driven fuel pump and fuel feed unit having a fuel pump
During monitoring of an electromotively driven fuel pump of a fuel feed unit for a motor vehicle, a pump current is monitored as a function of a pump voltage or of a pump rotational speed. Through a comparison of the pump current with the pump voltage or the pump rotational speed, it is detected whether leakage or dry running of the fuel pump is present. The fuel feed unit does not require any pressure sensor for this purpose, and is therefore of particularly simple construction. |
| US09127608B2 |
Cetane number estimation device
An electronic control unit detects an index value of an amount of generated heat of fuel to be combusted in a diesel engine. The electronic control unit also executes the injection of a predetermined amount of the fuel to estimate a cetane number of the fuel and calculates an index value of output torque of the diesel engine generated with that execution. Then, the electronic control unit calculates an estimated value of the cetane number of the fuel based on the index value of the output torque and the index value of the amount of generated heat. |
| US09127605B2 |
Vapor recovery system purge valve and method
A canister purge valve, fuel vapor recovery system, and method are provided. The canister purge valve may include an inlet port configured to be coupled with an inlet line to receive a fluid from a vapor-recovery canister. The canister purge valve may also include an outlet having two or more exit ports configured to be coupled with a common exit line to pass the fluid to an engine. In this way, improved mixing may be achieved without substantially increasing flow resistance and/or noise. |
| US09127603B2 |
Deceleration fuel cutoff control systems and methods
A system for a vehicle includes a rate of change module, a period estimation module, a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) module, and an injection control module. The rate of change module determines a rate of change of an engine speed. While an engine is being fueled, the period estimation module determines an estimated period of a next DFCO event based on the rate of change of the engine speed. The DFCO control module selectively generates a DFCO signal based on the estimated period. The injection control module cuts off fuel to the engine when the DFCO signal is generated. |
| US09127597B2 |
Sensor system
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a sensor system for detecting, characterizing, monitoring, and analyzing data. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a monitoring system is configured to obtain data from a sensor system. The sensor system includes two or more sensors and can indicate an operating state detected at a monitored structure by the sensors. The monitoring system also obtains operational data including a threshold value for the sensors and an expected value for the sensors. The monitoring system is configured to adjust the thresholds based, at least partially, upon the operational data to obtain an adjusted threshold value, and to compare the data value to the adjusted threshold. The monitoring system can determine if the monitored structure is operating in an alarm condition. |
| US09127594B2 |
System and method for use of a gas
A system for compressing a cryogenic gas, particularly a hydrocarbon gas, has a compressor for compressing the gas and a line arrangement, which passes the gas to the intake side of the compressor and passes the compressed gas to a subsequent device for use. The line arrangement has a bypass and the compressed gas can be passed back to the intake side of the compressor via the bypass. An expander is disposed in the bypass, for re-cooling the gas that flows through the bypass. A method regulates a system for compressing a cryogenic gas, particularly a hydrocarbon gas that occurs during storage of a cryogenic liquid. |
| US09127592B2 |
Range extender, drive and motor vehicle
The disclosure relates to a range extender for a hybrid vehicle configured to be driven by an electric machine. The range extender includes a generator configured to generate electrical energy, an internal combustion engine configured to drive the generator which generates a number N of generator output voltages, and an N-phase rectifier configured to rectify the number N of generator output voltages to form a rectified output voltage. The range extender further includes a direct voltage converter configured to convert the rectified output voltage of the generator. |
| US09127589B2 |
Turbo compound transmission and a method for controlling a turbo compound transmission
A turbo compound transmission, such as in a heavy duty or medium duty diesel engine, includes a turbo compound turbine to be driven by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and a coupling including a first rotor including a mechanical input drive adapted to be driven by the turbine, and a second rotor including a mechanical output drive. A brake is arranged to brake and limit the rotation of the turbine. The coupling is arranged to decouple when braking with the brake, subjecting the coupling to a torque above a predetermined torque limit. A method for controlling a turbo compound transmission is also disclosed. |
| US09127587B2 |
Cooling system for an engine and method of providing a cooling system for an engine
A cooling system for an engine includes a coolant tank, a heat exchanger, and a drain valve. The coolant tank holds a fluid coolant and is coupled with a tank conduit through which the coolant flows from or to the coolant tank. The heat exchanger is fluidly coupled with a supply conduit. The drain valve is fluidly coupled with the coolant tank by the tank conduit and with the supply conduit. The drain valve is fluidly coupled with a drain conduit that directs the coolant out of the cooling system and alternates between a closed position and an open position. The drain valve prevents the coolant from flowing out of the cooling system through the drain conduit when in the closed position and permits the coolant to flow from the heat exchanger and out of the cooling system through the drain conduit when in the open position. |
| US09127585B2 |
Catalyst temperature estimating device and catalyst temperature estimating method
A catalyst temperature estimating device that estimates the temperature of an upstream end of a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in an exhaust gas flow direction by executing a smoothing process for upstream end temperature estimation; the temperature of a downstream end of the catalyst in the exhaust gas flow direction by executing either a downstream end temperature estimation process using the estimated upstream end temperature with a smoothing process for downstream end temperature estimation; and calculates a smoothing coefficient for the estimated downstream end temperature used to smooth the estimated downstream end temperature based on the operation state of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09127578B2 |
Crankcase integrity breach detection
Systems and methods for monitoring crankcase ventilation system integrity are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube. For example, indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube may include indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on an absolute pressure sensor measurement relative to a gauge pressure sensor measurement. |
| US09127577B2 |
Packing lubrication system
A positive displacement packing lubrication system where the lubrication rate is mechanically determined via power take-off from the lubricated equipment. |
| US09127576B2 |
Internal-combustion engine, with system for variable actuation of the intake valves provided with a three-way electric valve having three levels of supply current, and method for controlling said engine
An internal-combustion engine includes a three-way, three-position control valve with an inlet communicating with a pressurized-fluid chamber and with a hydraulic actuator of an intake valve, and two outlets communicating, respectively, with the actuator of the other intake valve and with said exhaust channel. The control valve has a first position, in which the inlet communicates with both of the outlets, a second position, in which the inlet communicates only with the outlet connected to the actuator of an intake valve and does not communicate, with the outlet connected to the exhaust channel, and a third position, in which the inlet does not communicate with the two outlets. The control valve has an electric actuator supplied only at three different values of electric current to bring the valve into the three positions. |
| US09127574B2 |
Method for operating a power plant
The method for operating a power plant including a gas turbine and a steam power generation system that activate, or drive, at least one electric generator, wherein the gas turbine produces flue gases that are supplied into a boiler of the steam power generation system. In a steady operation, the gas turbine generates a first output power greater than zero, the steam turbine generates a second output power greater than zero, and a total generated power is a sum of the first and second output powers and is substantially equal to a house load of the power plant. |
| US09127569B2 |
Shroud structure for gas turbine
There is provided a shroud structure for gas turbines capable of suppressing a drop in the amount of cooling air for cooling the inner shroud by reducing the amount of cooling air leakage that occurs along the cooling air path when feeding cooling air from the one-piece outer shroud to the inner shroud of the gas turbine and ensure more reliable cooling of the inner shroud. The gas turbine shroud structure contains a one-piece outer shroud, and an inner shroud retained on the inner circumferential side of the outer shroud in a structure divided into multiple inner shrouds along the periphery. An inner seal plate groove is formed on the outer circumference of the hook formed on the inner shroud, a seal plate is inserted in the inner seal plate groove, and the seal plate is mounted so that a section of the seal plate protrudes in the gap between the hook mechanism of the outer shroud and the inner shroud. |
| US09127567B2 |
Non-interrupted turbomachine fluid supply
An exemplary fluid supply system for use on a turbomachine includes a turbomachine fluid container having a moveable barrier. A pressurized fluid is delivered to one side of the moveable barrier, and an opposing side of the flexible barrier communicates with a source of lubricant. Pressurized fluid is selectively delivered to the one side to move the moveable barrier between a flow-permitting position that permits flow from the source of lubricant to the turbomachine fluid container and a flow-restricting position that restricts flow from the source of lubricant to the turbomachine fluid container. |
| US09127566B2 |
Turbomachine thermal management
An example turbomachine assembly includes, among other things, a nose cone of a turbomachine, and a pump at least partially within an interior of the nose cone. The pump is selectively rotated by a motor to communicate air to the interior. |
| US09127563B2 |
Locking device arrangement for a rotating bladed stage
A locking device arrangement for a rotating bladed stage is provided and includes a wheel formed to define a substantially circumferential slot and three slot sections, one of the slot sections including one radial slot and two lock slots to permit blade and blade lock installation along the circumferential slot, respectively, the other slot sections including a lock slot to permit blade lock installation along the circumferential slot, and the three slot sections being separated from one another with angular offsets such that the wheel is mass balanced substantially evenly about a desired center of rotation with the blade locks installed and to reduce accumulation of flowpath gaps. |
| US09127562B2 |
Rotor of a turbomachine
Rotor having of rotor blades. Every rotor blade has a blade body and coupling segment. A width of the coupling element segment is defined in circumferential direction by edges extending in axial direction. The coupling segment is contoured at a first side such that, on the flow inlet side to a flow inlet edge, the radially outer edge projects beyond the radially inner edge in axial direction. At this side on the flow outlet side of the blade body, the radially inner edge projects beyond the radially outer edge. The coupling segment is contoured at a second side such that, adjacent on the flow outlet side to the flow outlet edge, the radially outer edge extending in axial direction projects beyond the radially inner edge in axial direction. At, this second side facing away from the flow inlet edge the radially inner edge projects beyond the radially outer edge. |
| US09127558B2 |
Turbomachine including horizontal joint heating and method of controlling tip clearance in a gas turbomachine
A gas turbomachine includes a casing having a first casing half including first and second edge portions and a second casing half including first and second edge sections. The first edge portion is configured and disposed to be joined to the first edge section to form a first horizontal joint and the second edge portion is configured and disposed to be joined to the second edge section to form a second horizontal joint. At least one of the first edge portion and the first edge section including a first fluid passage, and at least one of the second edge portion and second edge section including a second fluid passage. The first and second fluid passages are configured and disposed to guide heated fluid along respective ones of the first and second horizontal joints. |
| US09127557B2 |
Nozzle mounting and sealing assembly for a gas turbine system and method of mounting and sealing
A nozzle assembly includes a nozzle having a trailing edge of an outer band and an anti-rotation pin slot. Also included is a retaining ring extending circumferentially about the outer surface of the outer band, wherein the retaining ring includes an anti-rotation pin and an anti-rotation pin hole, wherein the anti-rotation pin is configured to fittingly reside in an axial orientation within the anti-rotation pin slot and the anti-rotation pin hole. Further included is a seal plate seated on the outer surface of the outer band and configured to retain the anti-rotation pin. Yet further included is a washer disposed within a bored portion of the seal plate, wherein the bored portion is aligned with an aperture within the retaining ring, wherein a mechanical fastener extends into the retaining ring through the bored portion to operably couple the seal plate to the retaining ring. |
| US09127555B2 |
Method for balancing rotating assembly of gas turbine engine
A method for balancing a rotating assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a stator vane from a section of the gas turbine engine. Removing the stator vane provides access to a rotating assembly of the gas turbine engine. The method further includes at least one of adding, removing, and repositioning a weight with respect to the rotating assembly via access to the rotating assembly provided by removing the stator vane. |
| US09127550B2 |
Turbine superalloy component defect repair with low-temperature curing resin
Voids, cracks or other similar defects in substrates of thermal barrier coated superalloy components, such as turbine blades or vanes, are filled with resin, without need to remove substrate material surrounding the void by grinding or other processes. The resin is cured at a temperature under 200° C., eliminating the need for post void-filling heat treatment. The void-filled substrate and resin are then coated with a thermal barrier coating. |
| US09127546B2 |
Downhole fluid separation
The invention includes systems and methods for operating, monitoring and controlling downhole fluid control system at a below ground location in a wellhole. The system may include a downhole fluid control system comprising at least one pump, a spoolable composite pipe comprising a fluid channel and at least one energy conductor, and a distal connection device adapted to couple a distal end of the fluid channel to the at least one pump and couple a distal end of the at least one energy conductor to the downhole fluid control system. |
| US09127545B2 |
Delivery system for fracture applications
Described herein is a modular, adjustable system for distributing fluids to one or more wellbores. The system is readily configured and assembled at a well site, and allows for one portion of the system to be isolated for service or repair while the remainder of the system continues to operate. The system includes a plurality of pump skids having both a distribution junction in fluid communication with inlets to of plurality of pump trucks and an exit junction in fluid communication with outlets of the plurality of pump trucks. |
| US09127541B2 |
Heater and method for recovering hydrocarbons from underground deposits
Heaters are presented to aid in the recovery of hydrocarbon from underground deposits. A heater is provided to a well that has been drilled through an oil-shale deposit. A fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the heater and flue gases are recovered. The heater has a counterflow design and provides a nearly uniform temperature along the heater length. The heater may be designed to operate at different temperatures and depths to pyrolyze or otherwise heat underground hydrocarbon deposits to form a product that is easily recovered and which is useful without substantial further processing. Various counterflow heaters are described including heaters having, down the heater length, distributed reaction zones, distributed catalytic oxidation of the fuel, and discrete or continuous heat generation. The heaters may also utilize inert gases from product recovery or from heater flue gases to control the heater temperature. |
| US09127535B2 |
Rigless low volume pump system
A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot. |
| US09127533B2 |
Well completion
The present invention relates to a completion assembly for running into a borehole in a formation through a well head or blowout preventer, comprising a casing string having a first end and a second end, and a drill pipe having a first end and a second end and extending through the well head or the blowout preventer and being releasably connected at the first end with the casing string. Furthermore, the invention relates to a completion method for completing a casing string. Moreover, the invention relates to a completion kit for making a completion assembly according to the present invention. |
| US09127531B2 |
Optical casing collar locator systems and methods
Fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems and methods including a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string. Such magnetic field changes induce voltages changes within associated pick-up electrical coil conductors. Some embodiments include a cylinder configured to change its diameter in response to the changes in the magnetic field and/or impressed voltage, and an optical fiber wound around the cylinder to convert the cylinder diameter change into an optical path length change for light being communicated along the fiber optic cable. The cylinder may include a magnetostrictive material or a piezoelectric material. |
| US09127530B2 |
Collision avoidance system with offset wellbore vibration analysis
A collision avoidance system including a plurality of inclinometers in offset wellbores and a processing unit for receiving a vibration signal from the inclinometers and determining a distance between the offset wellbore and a central wellbore based on the vibration signal. Also, a method of avoiding wellbore collisions by determining relative movement of a drill bit within a central wellbore including the steps of determining an original distance between the central wellbore and an offset wellbore, drilling in the central wellbore so that the drill bit moves a known distance with respect to the offset wellbore, capturing vibration readings during the drilling step, characterizing movement of the drill bit based on the drilling step, and calculating drill bit movement during drilling with respect to the offset wellbore based upon the characterizing step. |
| US09127528B2 |
Multi-position tool actuation system
A technique facilitates control over a multi-position well tool. A hydraulic control module may be engaged with a multi-position well tool for controlling actuation of the multi-position well tool through a plurality of actuation positions. The multi-position well tool is moved through the plurality of actuation positions by applying pressurized fluid through a first control line. A metering piston is uniquely arranged within the hydraulic control module to control actuation of the multi-position well tool from an initial actuation position through a plurality of incremental actuation positions. Additionally, a single pressurization of actuation fluid delivered through a second control line may be used to return the multi-position well tool back to the initial actuation position from any incremental position. |
| US09127521B2 |
Downhole tool actuation having a seat with a fluid by-pass
A downhole tool actuation system has a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular body of a tool. A reciprocating sleeve is located within the bore and the sleeve has a segmented seat with a fluid by-pass. At least one seat segment is positioned by an outer diameter of the sleeve to complete the seat, and a relief is formed in a wall adjacent the outer diameter of the sleeve. When the seat is occupied by an obstruction, only a portion of the fluid path is obstructed and fluid impinging the obstruction causes the sleeve to move in the direction of flow until the at least one segment is relieved by the relief thereby releasing the obstruction. |
| US09127519B2 |
Well centralizer
A centralizer assembly having a tubular body member with upper and lower channels extending around the external surface of said central tubular body member. A bow spring assembly having bow spring members is installed around the outer surface of the tubular body member and can rotate about the outer surface of the central tubular body member. Bow spring heel supports prevent the bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of the central tubular member when compressed. Non-abrasive materials prevent damage to wellhead or other polished bore receptacles. A robust bolster frame protects the centralizer assembly during shipping, storage or other periods of non-use. |
| US09127517B2 |
Drill pipe connector and method
A drill pipe connector assembly capable of connecting drill pipe segments without rotation. The assembly includes the pin end of a first drill pipe stabbed within the connector end of a second drill pipe. A connector nut is threadedly connected or snap locked to the connector end of the second drill pipe. The connector nut includes a retaining shoulder cooperating with a beveled shoulder on the pin end of the first drill pipe to retain the first drill pipe. The assembly includes seals to provide pressure integrity and prevent leaking. Cooperating rotational torque transfer profiles in the first and second drill pipes enable operational rotation of the drill string. |
| US09127516B2 |
Drilling installation and offshore drilling vessel with drilling installation
A dual firing line drilling installation has a drilling tower main structure with four frameworks that are each over a major portion of their height U-shaped in horizontal cross-section. A four-sided central (11) space is present, and along each side of the central space one framework is arranged with its opened vertical side facing the central space. First and second storage devices (25,27) are provided for vertically storing drilling tubulars. The first storage device is housed in a first framework, the second storage device in a second framework. A first hoisting device is supported by a third framework of the drilling tower main structure, to manipulate a string of drilling tubulars in a first firing line (21). A second hoisting device is supported by a fourth framework to manipulate a string of drilling tubulars in a second firing line (23). A first and second pipe racker (29,31) are housed within the drilling tower main structure and adapted to move drilling tubulars while supported in vertical orientation between a storage devices and a firing line. |
| US09127513B2 |
Variable geometry auger coupler
An auger attachment system having a collar combined with an auger and one or more couplers each having a first end and a second end. The coupler first end is adapted to operatively combine with the output drive shaft of an engine suitable for rotating an auger. Each coupler has a different size and/or geometry at their respective first ends to allow each coupler to combine with a drive shaft having the corresponding size and geometry. The coupler second end is adapted to combine with the collar thereby allowing a single auger to be used with multiple drive shafts, each having a different size and/or geometry. |
| US09127510B2 |
Dual drive directional drilling system
A dual drive drilling system having a plurality of drill rods that make up a drill string and a steering element for controlling the path of the drill string is disclosed. The dual drive drilling system also includes a drill bit located near the end of the drill string, a first rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a steering element, and a second rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a drill bit. Further, the dual drive drilling system also includes a joystick capable of moving along a first and second axis for controlling both the first and second rotational drives, wherein the movement of the joystick along the first axis controls rotation of the first rotational drive, and the movement of the joystick along the second axis controls rotation of the second rotational drive. |
| US09127507B2 |
Rotatable wireline tool of enhanced hydraulic drive consistency
A rotatable downhole cutting tool configured for enhanced drive consistency in low power circumstances. The tool is equipped with a hydraulic axial drive actuator suitable for use in wireline deployment. The actuator itself includes a reciprocating piston with a ball screw that threadably interfaces a ball nut for dampening the axial drive imparted by the piston. As such, even though hydraulically driven at generally well under about 10 horsepower, bounce in the axial drive is substantially eliminated. |
| US09127504B2 |
Corner assembly for metal framed glass panel doors, windows and wall partitions
An improved corner assembly for use with metal framed, floating panel glass doors, windows or wall partitions is provided. The design provides improved structural integrity of frame corner joints such that rail twist and frame racking are minimized. The design features a corner assembly composed of extruded horizontal and vertical framing members where the horizontal framing member is equipped with an integral tongue. The tongue engages a mating groove in the vertical framing member. The sheer block is attached to the horizontal and vertical framing members via mechanical fasteners. Welds are provided at the intersection of the tongue and groove, and between the sheer block and horizontal framing member to provide for increased structural integrity. |
| US09127503B2 |
Sill assembly for a door frame
An example of a sill assembly for a door frame includes a sub sill extending along a generally horizontal sill axis. The sub sill includes a sub sill upper portion. A base sill extends along the sill axis. The base sill is mounted to the sub sill and clads at least a portion of the sub sill upper portion. The base sill includes at least one base sill clip member. A step sill extends along the sill axis. The step sill includes an axially extending step sill upper surface positioned above the base sill, and at least one step sill clip member removably engaged with the base sill clip member to removably mount the step sill to the base sill. |
| US09127502B2 |
Sealed unit and spacer
A sealed unit includes at least two sheets of transparent or translucent material separated from each other by a spacer. One example of a spacer for a sealed unit includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and filler arranged therebetween. The first and second elongate strips have a small undulating shape in some embodiments. Methods of making spacers and window assemblies as well as devices for use in the manufacture of spacers and assemblies are disclosed including a manufacturing jig and a spool storage rack. The spool storage rack stores a plurality of spools configured to store spacer materials thereon. |
| US09127500B2 |
Cord-winding device for venetian blind
A cord winding device for a Venetian blind includes a receiving unit, a resilient driving unit mounted in the receiving unit, a braking unit mounted in the receiving unit and adjacent to the resilient driving unit, and a unidirectional damping unit mounted in the receiving unit. Through cooperation between the braking unit and the resilient driving unit, during winding and unwinding of pull cords, a bottom rail can be descended slowly and stopped conveniently at any desired height. |
| US09127497B2 |
Variable configuration blinds
A slatted horizontal blinds system has separate positional controls for distinct subsets of slats. Odd and even slats can be moved relative to each other both horizontally and vertically. With a scalloped upper and lower edge, overlapping slats can produce a variety of light allowing and esthetic modes. Some versions only support up and down movement and some slats are rectangular. This is caused by hiding and exposing of slat portions and voids between slats by the relative movement of odd and even slats. Slats may have translucent colored portions, apertures or printed designs. The absolute movement may only be of one subset of slats while other slats stay in position. In other cases all slats can move simultaneously in relation to each other. Mechanisms include screw drive with “lost motion” operation and movement latches. Also slidable carriages, end-cams, and linear motors can be used. In some cases the bottom rail has mechanisms as well as the head rail. |
| US09127496B1 |
Expandable barrier with matching panels and corner pet door
A barrier for a home is disclosed. The barrier includes two portions that are quickly slideable relative to each other to take expanded and contracted forms. The barrier includes a metal frame and wood panels engaged in the metal frame. Each of the two portions includes at least one wood panel such that, when the barrier portions are slid to and away from each other, the wood panels slide to and away from each other. The barrier includes a corner pet door that opens in the expanded or contracted forms. |
| US09127494B2 |
Hinge device
In a hinge device 1, a door-side mounting member 6 is rotatably connected to a housing-side mounting member 3 via an inner link 4 and an outer link 5. To prevent the inner link 4 and the outer link 5 from being rattled, one protrusion 72 of a torsion coil spring 7 as a rotationally biasing mechanism is pressed against one side plate 41 of the inner link 4 via a cam member 91 and the other protrusion 73 of the torsion coil spring 7 is pressed against the other side plate 52 of the outer link 5. |
| US09127487B2 |
Tablet case with spring-loaded slideable bracket
A case for a viewing device with a spring-loaded slide-able bracket. |
| US09127486B2 |
Sash window and door transportation clip assembly
A clip assembly may safely secure sliding sashes of a window or door during transportation, and, in one embodiment, be comprised of a strap member and a pawl member. The strap member may be comprised of a bumper portion, and a strap portion extending therefrom, where the strap portion may have a plurality of teeth formed within the thickness of the strap. The pawl member may have a pair of sidewalls supported by a top wall and an intermediate wall. The top wall may have a protrusion which includes a plurality of pawl teeth formed to complement the strap teeth, and be located proximate to the intermediate wall. The strap may be introduced through the gap between the top rail of an upper sash and bottom rail of the second sash, to then be inserted into the pawl, and thereby be retained by the respective teeth to secure the sashes. |
| US09127473B1 |
Home entertainment stage
The home entertainment stage includes a raised surface defining a miniature stage. The raised surface includes a plurality of fixtures integrated therein, which include lights, microphones and microphone stands as well as a fan. The home entertainment stage includes side surfaces, which may include audio/video controls, speakers, switches, lights, wheels, and a handle. The home entertainment stage has a size and shape comparable to a large coffee table, and is able to lie on a ground surface, or be turned to a side wherein the wheels enable the home entertainment stage to be rolled away when not in use. |
| US09127470B2 |
Intergraded dialysis unit module and module compartment structure
A unit module compartment structure includes: a first unit module compartment, including a first partition board having connection means at one end, and a second partition board having connection means at two ends thereof, respectively, the connection means of the first partition board and the connection means at one end of the second partition board being connected so as to form a first angle less than 90°; and a second unit module compartment, including a third partition board having connection means at one end, and a fourth partition board having connection means at two ends thereof, respectively, wherein the connection means at one end of the third partition board, the connection means at one end of the fourth partition board and the connection means at another end of the second partition board are connected so as to form a second angle identical with the first angle. |
| US09127468B2 |
Building
A building is provided in which safety, comfort, and economic efficiency are improved by an enclosed structure and by shielding from an exterior. The building has a foundation 3, a wall 8 standing around the foundation 3 so as to be integrated with the foundation 3, a housing section 2 serving as an interior space arranged in a center of the foundation 3, a roof 30 covering an internal space surrounded by the wall 8, the roof 30 being supported by the wall 8 and not structurally combined with the housing section 2, and seismic isolation mechanisms 40 for suppressing vibration of the housing section 2 upon generation of earthquake. An interior of the building is formed as an enclosed space defined by the foundation 3, the wall 8, and the roof 30. |
| US09127466B2 |
Integrated decking member fastening track system installation method and tool
An installation method and tool facilitate the installation of decking members onto an elongated fastening track in an integrated fastening track systems. The installation tool comprises a base having a distal portion and a proximal portion. Imparting a striking force to the rear face of the base distal portion urges the front surface of the base proximal portion laterally into contact with fastening tangs integral with and extending upwardly from the fastening track, thereby engaging the fastening tangs to secure a decking member with longitudinal side edge slots to the fastening track. |
| US09127465B1 |
Crosshead structure
A universal crosshead structure having a first member and a second member. The crosshead structure may be reconfigured from a first length to a second length to fit a variety of applications. Each one of the first and second members may include a severable portion. The crosshead structure may include a trim and a head piece disjointed among the first and second members. |
| US09127464B2 |
Roofing grommet forming a seal between a roof-mounted structure and a roof
A roof mounting system mounts a structure to a roof and includes a roof substrate having a roof surface, a flashing positioned on the roof surface and having a flashing plane, and a bracket connected to the flashing. The bracket has a bottom surface that has a bracket plane. The bottom surface is positioned on the flashing, so that the flashing plane extends substantially parallel to the bracket plane. The bracket has a bracket aperture and a seal is positioned within the bracket aperture and has a seal aperture. A fastener extends through the bracket aperture and the seal aperture, and the seal limits flow of moisture through the bracket aperture. At least one of the flashing and the bracket form a drainage opening, so that the drainage opening permits egress of moisture away from of the bracket aperture. |
| US09127462B1 |
Rainwater gutter
A rainwater gutter defined by at least two channels connected end to end to each other in fluid-tight manner by a first sleeve projecting inside one of the channels, a second sleeve projecting outwards of the other channel and inserted inside the first sleeve, a first annular seal interposed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, a second annular seal fitted between two end faces of the two channels, and fastening means for fastening the two end faces one to the other with the interposition of the second annular seal. |
| US09127460B2 |
Thermoplastic flashing laminate
A flashing laminate includes a non-reinforced thermoplastic sheet having a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge. The flashing laminate also includes an adhesive layer on a longitudinally extending portion of the bottom surface adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges. In one or more embodiments, the laminate also includes a release liner positioned over the adhesive tape. |
| US09127456B2 |
Outer rail for wall plate covering
The outer rail retains two lateral screw webs of an intermediate rail to construct a base for wall plate covering. Two retention devices are disposed oppositely on respective inner sides of each retention web for retaining a respective screw web of the intermediate rail. Each retention device including an abutment part, which extends inwards from the inner side of the retention web such as to form an abutment surface for the respective screw web when the latter is positioned to be retained in the retention device, and extends from the abutment part into a locking part, which extends at an angle to the abutment part and at a distance from the respective retention web. Each locking part comprising a first resilient locking pin adapted to lock a first screw web configuration and a second, separate resilient locking pin adapted to lock a second screw web configuration, the first and second screw web configurations being pre-defined and different from each other. Hereby, different screw web configurations can be attached to the same retention web. |
| US09127453B2 |
Drive modules for movable partition systems and components thereof and related methods of installing drive modules
Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed. |
| US09127452B1 |
Porous septum cap
A passive noise attenuation system is described herein. The passive noise attenuation system may comprise an acoustic structure. The acoustic structure may comprise a perforated top sheet and a core accessible via the perforated top sheet. The core may comprise a cell having a plurality of interior walls. The acoustic structure may comprise a back skin. The acoustic structure may comprise an inherently porous material disposed between the top sheet and the back skin, wherein the porous material forms a plane or multiple planes coupled to each interior wall to tangentially subdivide the core. |
| US09127450B2 |
Space truss system
A space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base. |
| US09127447B2 |
Frame for an inlet of a catch basin or manhole
A frame for a cover for one of a catch basin and a manhole having an inlet, the frame comprising: a frame skeleton having a hollow body having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to be inserted into the inlet of the catch basin or manhole, the frame skeleton having at least one flange extending laterally outwardly from the first end of the hollow body and a concrete sleeve disposed around the hollow body on an external surface thereof, the concrete sleeve being adapted to be disposed between the inlet of the one of the catch basin and manhole and the at least one flange, the concrete sleeve having a top surface abutting the under surface of the at least one flange, the under surface of at least one flange covering the top surface of the concrete sleeve. |
| US09127445B2 |
Sewer alarm apparatus with probe extending through a monitored pipe
According to some embodiments, sewer alarm devices and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of liquid within a pipe. In some embodiments, the devices and apparatus include a housing defining an interior volume, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion mounted on an exterior surface of the pipe. At least a first mounting portion extends outwardly from the housing and receives at least a first strap securing the housing to the exterior surface of the pipe. A probe housing extends from the interior volume of the housing to an interior of the pipe, and at least a first probe is disposed within the probe housing and exposed to the interior of the pipe along a first direction substantially along a center axis of the pipe. |
| US09127440B2 |
Bucket thumb assembly
A bucket thumb assembly mountable to a lifting arm of a machine (e.g., an excavator or a backhoe loader) includes a mounting lug and a thumb member pivotably coupled to the mounting lug. The bucket thumb assembly also includes a link member extending from the thumb member. The link member has a first aperture at a first end of the link member. The link member has an indicator block extending from the link member. The bucket thumb assembly further includes a mounting plate having a second aperture and a catch. The mounting plate is configured to selectively couple with the link member using a pin inserted through the first and second apertures when the indicator block is resting on the catch such that a face surface on the indicator block and a face surface of the catch are substantially co-planar. |
| US09127437B2 |
Flow regeneration hydraulic circuit
A hydraulic circuit capable of both a regeneration mode of operation and a full force mode of operation includes a poppet valve controlled by a control valve operating in conjunction with a shuttle valve. The opening of the poppet valve enables the regeneration mode of operation, and the closing of the poppet valve enables the full force mode of operation. |
| US09127435B2 |
Power shovel hoist machinery with auxiliary weight box
A power shovel including a tool for lifting, a machine house, a hoist drum, hoist drum machinery and an auxiliary weight box having a perimeter, the hoist drum and hoist drum machinery being at least partially disposed within the perimeter of the auxiliary weight box and the hoist drum being disposed outside of the machine house. |
| US09127431B2 |
Manhole security cover
A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole. |
| US09127422B2 |
Bollards
A bollard apparatus for use as a fixed vehicle barrier including a bollard member having a base end and a foundation assembly adapted for fixed ground engagement. The foundation assembly comprises a housing part dimensioned and arranged for retaining the base end of the bollard member together with cementing material for cementing the bollard member to the foundation assembly within the housing part. The inclination of the bollard member relative to the foundation assembly is adjustable while the cementing material is not set (e.g. cured or hardened or rigid) and is fixed upon the cementing material becoming set thereby to cement the inclination of the bollard member relative to the foundation assembly. |
| US09127416B2 |
Work train comprising a silo trailer drawn by a ground milling machine, and towing device for said work train
The present invention relates to a work train for milling an underlying ground surface and intermixing bulk material with the milled ground material, comprising a self-propelled ground milling machine, more particularly, a recycler or a stabilizer, comprising a milling drum mounted in a hood and a drive motor, a silo trailer drawn by the ground milling machine and comprising a storage container for bulk material, a conveying system, which transports bulk material during operation of the work train from the silo trailer to in front of the milling drum, as regarded in the direction of travel (a) of the ground milling machine, and an output means, which discharges the bulk material onto the ground in front of the milling drum, as regarded in the direction of travel (a). The present invention further relates to a towing device for such a work train. |
| US09127411B2 |
Temporary rail assembly
The invention describes a device that enables people with special needs (SEN), namely with mobility impairment of the lower limbs, to access the sea from the beach, without assistance from another person. According to the present invention, independent access is achieved by using a portable, rail-type mechanism which can be assembled easily on the beach. The rail operates as a stable track for a carriage to be drawn along. The starting point of the track is at a distance from the shoreline, in a place with wheelchair access. The end of the track is in the water at an appropriate point where the water's depth is sufficient for the disabled user to swim without problems. |
| US09127410B2 |
Elastic pad for concrete elements on which rails of a railway rest
Elastic pad with a concrete element on which rails of a railway rest, whereby the elastic pad includes a fixing mat and an elastic mat, the fixing mat being provided with standing filaments that are at least partially embedded in the concrete element. |
| US09127409B2 |
Rail
In the rail, 95% or more of a structure in a head surface section, which is a range from surfaces of head corner sections and a head top section of the rail as a starting point to a depth of 20 mm, is a pearlite or bainite structure and the structure contains 20 to 200 MnS-based sulfides formed around an Al-based oxide as a nucleus and having a grain size in a range of 1 μm to 10 μm per square millimeter of an area to be inspected on a horizontal cross section of the rail. |
| US09127408B2 |
Tissue having reduced hydrogen bonding
It has now been discovered that the sheet bulk of a tissue web may be increased, with little or no degradation in tensile strength, by forming the web with at least a portion of cellulosic fiber that has been reacted with a water soluble cellulose reactive agent such as a cyanuric halide or a vinyl sulfone and then reacting the fiber with monochloroacetic acid, or salts thereof, in the presence of a caustic. |
| US09127406B2 |
Surface coating composition for inkjet media
The instant disclosure relates to a surface coating composition for inkjet media, including: a binder including at least one of water soluble polymers, water dispersible polymers, or combinations thereof; a pigment including at least one of low surface area inorganic pigments, organic pigments, porous inorganic pigments, or combinations thereof; an optical brightening agent; a metallic salt; and a chemical chelant. |
| US09127403B2 |
Flash tank with flared inlet insert and method for introducing flow into a flash tank
A flash tank including: an interior chamber having a interior surface formed by a sidewall of the flash tank; a vapor exhaust port coupled to an upper portion of the chamber; a liquid discharge port coupled to a lower portion of the chamber; an insert inlet tube having an insert outlet and inserted into an inlet port of the chamber, wherein the insert inlet tube extends inward of the sidewall and the insert outlet has an elongated cross-sectional shape oriented substantially parallel to a center vertical axis of the flash tank and substantially perpendicular to a radial line of the flash tank, such that the insert outlet is substantially tangential to the sidewall. |
| US09127402B2 |
Method for liquefying biomass
The disclosure provides a method for liquefying biomass, including: (a) mixing a solid organic ammonium salt containing single nitrogen with at least one organic compound which is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the solid organic ammonium salt to form a first mixture; (b) heating the first mixture until the first mixture becomes a solution; (c) mixing a biomass and an acid catalyst with the solution to form a second mixture; and (d) heating the second mixture to make the biomass therein convert into a liquefied product. |
| US09127400B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying articles
A method for drying laundry with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having a plurality of baffles on a drum rotatable on a non-vertical axis, an anode element in at least one first baffle and a cathode element in at least one second baffle, the method including capacitively coupling the anode element to the cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) between the anode element and the cathode element, wherein liquid in the laundry residing within the e-field will be dielectrically heated to effect a drying of the laundry. |
| US09127396B2 |
Washing machine having a friction suspension
A washing machine includes a casing constituting the appearance, a support bar having one end connected to the casing and a suspension for connecting the other end of the support bar to the outer tub so as to suspend the outer tub within the casing, and for absorbing vibrations from the outer tub. The suspension includes an air cap through which the second end of the support bar passes. The air cab is installed on the outer circumference of the outer tub and moves along the support bar according to vibrations from the outer tub. A first friction member fitted on the support bar and disposed within the air cap to contact the inner surface of the air cap. A second friction member contacts the support bar and generates greater frictional force with the support bar than the force generated between the first friction member and the inner surface of the air cap to effectively decrease vibrations. |
| US09127390B2 |
Washing machine and control panel assembly thereof
Disclosed is a washing machine, a control panel assembly of which has an improved structure to minimize problems caused by a shaking of a rotary knob and the interference of the rotary knob with other surrounding parts. The control panel assembly of the washing machine includes a control panel, a knob guide installed on the control panel, and a rotary knob rotatably mounted on the knob guide and including a boss passing through the knob guide. The knob guide includes a boss insertion part restricting the boss to prevent the rotary knob from shaking. The boss insertion part includes an extension extended from the bottom surface of the knob guide and forming a boss insertion hole, into which the boss is inserted, therein. |
| US09127389B2 |
Continuous batch tunnel washer and method
A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water. |
| US09127388B2 |
Method for controlling laundry treating apparatus
Control of a laundry treating apparatus, in which a drum is controlled to accelerate to a first rate of rotation and then decelerate from the first rate of rotation to a second rate of rotation. A deceleration time taken for the drum having accelerated to the first rate of rotation to be decelerated to the second rate of rotation is determined and at least one of a dryness level and a percentage of water content of laundry received in the drum is determined based on the deceleration time. A determination is made as to whether the laundry in the drum includes water-filled laundry based on at least one of the dryness level and the percentage of water content of the laundry and dehydration drying of the laundry in the drum is controlled based on the determination of whether the laundry in the drum includes water-filled laundry. |
| US09127381B2 |
Wrappable textile sleeve with extendable electro-functional yarn leads and method of construction thereof
A wrappable textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve has a wall of interlaced yarn with opposite edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The opposite edges of the wall are wrappable to overlap one another to form a tubular cavity. At least one electro-functional member extends lengthwise between the opposite ends of the wall. The at least one electro-functional member is interlaced in the wall at a plurality of nodes and forms at least one unrestrained loop intermediate the opposite ends of the sleeve. The at least one electro-functional member has a straightened length that is greater than the straightened length of the sleeve, thereby allowing opposite ends of the at least one electro-functional member to be pulled axially outwardly away from the ends of the sleeve to form leads for attachment to a power source, which in turn constricts the at least one loop. |
| US09127380B2 |
Water-repellent woven fabric and garment
A water-repellent woven fabric having excellent water repellency, which is friendly to the environment, and a garment made of the water-repellent woven fabric are provided. A composite yarn containing a false-twist crimped textured yarn having an S-direction torque and a false-twist crimped textured yarn having a Z-direction torque is arranged for a warp or a weft to obtain a fabric, and a fluorine-based water repellent having a total concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid of 0 to 5 ng/g is then adhered to the woven fabric. |
| US09127379B2 |
Woven multi-layer fabrics and methods of fabricating same
A multi-layer ballistic woven fabric, including an upper woven layer having upper warp yarns and upper weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the upper woven layer. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric also includes a lower woven layer having lower warp yarns and lower weft yarns that are interwoven together, and a plurality of securing yarns, each securing yarn interwoven with at least some of the upper yarns and some of the lower yarns so as to secure the upper and lower woven layers together. At least one of the securing yarns is woven underneath a first lower weft yarn, then above a second upper weft yarn adjacent the first lower weft yarn, then underneath a third lower weft yarn adjacent the second upper weft yarn and then above a fourth upper weft yarn adjacent the third lower weft yarn. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric is formed by interweaving the securing yarns with the warp yarns and weft yarns as the upper woven layer and lower woven layer are made. |
| US09127367B2 |
Precoated metal sheet excellent in conductivity and corrosion resistance
A precoated metal sheet excellent in conductivity and corrosion resistance and able to be inexpensively produced is provided. The present invention is a conductive, corrosion resistant precoated metal sheet comprising a metal sheet on at least one surface of which is formed a coating film (α) which contains an organic resin (A) and non-oxide ceramic particles (B) with a 25° C. electrical resistivity of 0.1×10−6 to 185×10−6 Ωcm selected from borides, carbides, nitrides, and silicides, a volume ratio of the organic resin (A) and the non-oxide ceramic particles (B) in the coating film (a) at 25° C. being 90:10 to 99.9:0.1, the organic resin (A) including a derivative (A2) of a resin (A1) which includes at least one type of functional group selected from a carboxyl group and sulfonic acid group in a structure of the resin (A1). |
| US09127362B2 |
Process kit and target for substrate processing chamber
A process kit comprises a ring assembly that is placed about a substrate support in a substrate processing chamber to reduce deposition of process deposits on the chamber components and on an overhang edge of the substrate. The process kit includes a deposition ring, cover ring, and anti-lift bracket, and can also include a unitary shield. A target is also described. |
| US09127359B2 |
Liquid vaporizer
A liquid vaporizer is configured to vaporize a liquid reagent and mix the vaporized liquid reagent with a gaseous medium. The liquid vaporizer is equipped with a main vaporizer body having a mixed gas generating space, and a vaporizing unit disposed inside the mixed gas generating space. The vaporizing unit has a vaporizing unit main body having a vaporization surface and a net-shaped body formed in a planar shape by knitting wires regularly in a net-like shape. The net-shaped body forms a plurality of mesh spaces surrounded by the wires and arranged regularly in the in-plane direction. The vaporizing unit forms a plurality of liquid reagent supply spaces surrounded by the wires and the vaporization surface as a result of the net-shaped body and the vaporization surface being abutted against each other. The liquid reagent supply spaces are arranged regularly in the in-plane direction of the net-shaped body. |
| US09127358B2 |
Film forming apparatus
A film forming apparatus for forming a polyimide film on a substrate installed within a film forming container. The apparatus includes: a first vaporizer configured to vaporize a first raw material in a solid state, and supply the vaporized first raw material gas to the substrate; a second vaporizer configured to vaporize a second raw material in a liquid state, and supply the vaporized second raw material gas to the substrate; a first pressure measurement unit configured to measure the internal pressure of the first vaporizer; a second pressure measurement unit configured to measure the internal pressure of the second vaporizer; and a controller configured to calculate a supply amount of the first and second raw material gases by the first and second pressure measurement units, respectively, and control the first and second vaporizers to supply the first and second raw material gases in a uniform amount. |
| US09127357B2 |
System and method for sealing a vapor deposition source
A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block. |
| US09127355B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including an openable and closable lid and being capable of precisely controlling a gap between multiple shields. The substrate processing apparatus includes: an openable and closable lid provided on an opening of a chamber; a first shield provided on a surface of the lid at the chamber side and having an insertion hole; an insertion section fixed to the lid while inserted through the insertion hole, and configured to support the first shield in a manner movable within a predetermined distance; a restriction section provided on an end portion of the insertion section and configured to restrict the movement of the first shield; and biasing means configured to bias the first shield to a member provided inside the chamber when the lid is closed. |
| US09127354B2 |
Filtered cathodic arc deposition apparatus and method
Vacuum deposition apparatus including cathodic arc source for application of coatings on the substrate. Cathodic arc source comprises focusing magnetic source for generating magnetic field, arc cathode containing film forming material and anode. The focusing magnetic source is placed between arc cathode and substrate. Arc spot generated on the cathode evaporation surface is kept by the magnetic field lines in the place where the magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the cathode surface. |
| US09127351B2 |
Enhanced thin film deposition
Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties. |
| US09127349B2 |
Method and apparatus for depositing mixed layers
The present invention refers to a method as well as an apparatus for depositing a layer at a substrate, the layer containing at least two components co-deposited by at least two evaporation sources, wherein the mixture of the components regarding the content of the components is set by tilting the evaporation sources to predetermined angle and/or by positioning the evaporation sources at a predetermined distance with respect to the substrate and/or wherein evaporation plumes of the evaporation sources are arranged such that the maxima of the evaporation plumes are separated locally with respect to the substrate. |
| US09127348B2 |
Barrier layers for silver reflective coatings and HPC workflows for rapid screening of materials for such barrier layers
Provided is High Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) testing methodology of semiconductor substrates, each including multiple site isolated regions. The site isolated regions are used for testing different compositions and/or structures of barrier layers disposed over silver reflectors. The tested barrier layers may include all or at least two of nickel, chromium, titanium, and aluminum. In some embodiments, the barrier layers include oxygen. This combination allows using relative thin barrier layers (e.g., 5-30 Angstroms thick) that have high transparency yet provide sufficient protection to the silver reflector. The amount of nickel in a barrier layer may be 5-10% by weight, chromium—25-30%, titanium and aluminum—30%-35% each. The barrier layer may be co-sputtered in a reactive or inert-environment using one or more targets that include all four metals. An article may include multiple silver reflectors, each having its own barrier layer. |
| US09127346B2 |
Sputtering target material
This invention provides sputtering target materials having high reflectance and excellent heat resistance, which are formed of Ag base alloys formed by adding a specific, minor amount of P to Ag and alloying them. |
| US09127340B2 |
Selective oxidation process
Silicon is selectively oxidized relative to a metal-containing material in a partially-fabricated integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the silicon and metal-containing materials are exposed portions of a partially-fabricated integrated circuit and may form part of, e.g., a transistor. The silicon and metal-containing material are oxidized in an atmosphere containing an oxidant and a reducing agent. In some embodiments, the reducing agent is present at a concentration of about 10 vol % or less. |
| US09127339B2 |
Dual-purpose facility of continuous hot-dip coating and continuous annealing
A dual-purpose facility of continuous hot-dip coating and continuous annealing is configured so as to be switched between a continuous hot-dip coated material production line and a continuous annealed material production line, and includes a gas discharge path that discharges atmosphere gas in an annealing furnace from a gas discharge port provided in an outlet side of the annealing furnace out of the annealing furnace and a path opening and closing unit for opening and closing the gas discharge path. The path opening and closing unit opens the gas discharge path when the dual-purpose facility is used as the continuous hot-dip coated material production line and closes the gas discharge path when the dual-purpose facility is used as the continuous annealed material production line. |
| US09127336B2 |
Hot-working steel excellent in machinability and impact value
Provided is a hot-working steel excellent in machinability and impact value comprising, in mass %, C: 0.06 to 0.85%, Si: 0.01 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 2.0%, P: 0.005 to 0.2%, S: 0.001 to 0.35%, and Al: 0.06 to 1.0% and N: 0.016% or less, in contents satisfying Al×N×105≦96, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, total volume of AlN precipitates of a circle-equivalent diameter exceeding 200 nm accounting for 20% or less of total volume of all AlN precipitates. |
| US09127332B2 |
Molten aluminum refining and gas dispersion system
Aspects of this molten aluminum refining system include a rotor based injection system which provides for the injection and dispersion of both gas and flux for refining molten aluminum. |
| US09127326B2 |
System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using natural gas
In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides systems and methods that can convert clean or raw natural gas, clean or dirty coke oven gas, or the like to reducing gas/syngas suitable for direct reduction with minimal processing or cleaning. Hydrocarbons and the like are converted to H2 and CO. S does not affect the conversion to reducing gas/syngas, but is removed or otherwise cleaned up by the iron bed in the direct reduction shaft furnace. Top gas may be continuously recycled or a once-through approach may be employed. |
| US09127324B2 |
O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylase mutants and method for production of cysteine using the same
Disclosed is an O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylase (OPSS) mutant which has a Mycobacterium smegmatis-derived amino acid sequence corresponding to that of SEQ ID NO: 1 which is devoid of three to seven C-terminal amino acid residues. Also, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the OPSS mutant, an expression vector carrying the nucleic acid molecule, and a transformant transformed with the expression vector are disclosed. In addition, a method is provided for producing cysteine in which O-phospho-L-serine (OPS) is reacted with a sulfide in the presence of the OPSS mutant. The OPSS mutant has improved enzymatic activity and can be applied to the environmentally friendly production of L-cysteine through a simple enzymatic conversion reaction. |
| US09127323B2 |
Isolated yeast strain having high xylose consumption rate and process for production of ethanol using the strain
The invention utilizes cloning and transformation techniques in combination with mutation and strain taming techniques to obtain yeasts having high xylose consumption rate and ethanol yield. The cloning and transformation used in the invention are to transform xylose metabolism genes to yeasts to solve the problem that some yeast strains cannot utilize xylose to produce ethanol. The mutation and strain taming used in the invention are to increase xylose consumption rate and ethanol yield to solve the problem of low rate and yield. By combining the above-mentioned technical means, the invention unexpectedly obtain a mutant having high xylose consumption rate and ethanol yield. |
| US09127320B2 |
miR-193a-3p and associated genes predict tumorigenesis and chemotherapy outcomes
The disclosure provides a correlation between the expression level of the miR-193a gene, which can be regulated by its methylation status, and both tumorigenesis of and the resistance of a cancer cell to a pyrimidine antimetabolite (5-FU) based chemotherapy. In addition to the methylation status and the expression of miR-193a, its downstream genes, such as E2F1, SRSF2, and apoptotic genes such as caspase 2, are also involved and can serve as useful markers for cancer therapy prognosis and for therapy selection. |
| US09127317B2 |
Method for using probe based PCR detection to measure the levels of circulating demethylated β cell derived DNA as a measure of β cell loss in diabetes
A method for measuring blood levels of β cell DNA that is released upon β cell death by using a quantitative probe technology to detect amplified methylated and demethylated forms of the insulin gene DNA, representing normal tissue and β cell specific origin, respectively. Using probes permits the sensitive and specific identification of demethylated insulin DNA patterns that are present only in β cells. The method offers a bioassay for detecting β cell loss in diabetes, useful for screening of prediabetes, monitoring of disease progression, and selection and monitoring of therapies. The technique finds potential use in both Type I and Type II diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. |
| US09127316B2 |
Markers associated with Alzheimer'S disease
This application discloses SNPs capable of predicting increased or decreased risk of developing late onset Alzheimer's disease. |
| US09127310B2 |
Digital analyte analysis
The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons. |
| US09127309B2 |
Methods of nucleic acid quantification and detection using anomalous migration
Described are approaches for the identification, detection, and quantification of nucleic acids in a biological sample. These methods are based, in part, on the elucidation of anomalous migration properties of short nucleic acid molecules when conjugated to a fluorescent label, such as fluorescein labels, such that a smaller nucleic acid reliably migrates slower than a larger nucleic acid under the same conditions of separation. |
| US09127301B2 |
Method of detecting the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Described herein is a rapid coupled enzymatic assay to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in samples. The method uses a detection composition that includes: a buffered solution comprising NADH; naphthalene dioxygenase, naphthalene 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene dehydrogenase, and 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase. The presence of PAH is determined by noting a color change of the detection composition, either visually or spectrophotometrically. |
| US09127299B2 |
Directed selective solid-phase culturing of stable microbial mixed populations for the continuous preparation of defined enzyme and metabolite mixtures
The present invention provides a method for directed selective solid-phase culturing of stable microbial mixed populations for the continuous preparation of defined enzyme and metabolite mixtures, enzyme and metabolite materials obtained by such method and suitable devices therefore. |
| US09127295B2 |
Microbial-mediated method for metal oxide nanoparticle formation
The invention is directed to a method for producing metal oxide nanoparticles, the method comprising: (i) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbial-mediated formation of metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprise: metal-reducing microbes, a culture medium suitable for sustaining said metal-reducing microbes, an effective concentration of one or more surfactants, a reducible metal oxide component containing one or more reducible metal species, and one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said metal-reducing microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said metal-reducing microbes; and (ii) isolating said metal oxide nanoparticles, which contain a reduced form of said reducible metal oxide component. The invention is also directed to metal oxide nanoparticle compositions produced by the inventive method. |
| US09127293B2 |
Receptor-mediated delivery: compositions and methods
Compositions and methods for delivering an agent to a cell comprising a prolactin receptor are provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting a breast, ovarian or prostate cancer cell, where the method includes a step of contacting the cell with a complex comprising a prolactin receptor ligand linked to at least one of an RNAi-inducing agent, a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, an miRNA, a cytotoxic moiety, a chemotherapeutic moiety, a radioactive moiety or a nanoparticle. Methods of detecting a cancer cell expressing a prolactin receptor are also provided. |
| US09127283B2 |
Inducible expression system transcription modulators comprising a distributed protein transduction domain and methods for using the same
Aspects of the invention include inducible expression systems in which a transcription modulator having a distributed protein transduction domain is employed. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the systems to induce expression of a coding sequence, as well as kits that find use in practicing methods of the invention. The systems, components thereof, methods and kits find use in a variety of different applications. |
| US09127274B2 |
Serpinc1 iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the Serpinc1 gene, and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of Serpinc1 and methods of treating subjects having a bleeding disorder, such as a hemophilia. |
| US09127272B2 |
Oligomeric compounds and compositions for the use in modulation of target nucleic acids
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the levels expression, processing and function of miRNAs. The compositions comprise oligomeric compounds targeted to small non-coding RNAs and miRNAs. The oligomeric compounds possess potent miRNA inhibitory activity, and further exhibit improved therapeutic index. Further provided are methods for selectively modulating miRNA activing in a cell. |
| US09127270B2 |
Cell pattern recovery tool
This invention provides a cell pattern recovery tool comprising a base material layer having a surface subjected to easy adhesion treatment, a temperature responsive polymer layer that is provided on the base material layer and has a surface subjected to silane treatment, and a cell adhesion inhibiting material layer provided on the temperature responsive polymer layer. According to the present invention, a cell pattern can be rapidly recovered while maintaining the cell pattern stably and reliably under minimally invasive conditions for the cells. |
| US09127267B2 |
Leucine beta roll domains and uses thereof
In one aspect, the invention relates to a peptide that forms a calcium-dependent hydrogel using a rationally engineered beta roll peptide. In the absence of calcium, the peptide is intrinsically disordered. Upon addition of calcium, the peptide forms a corkscrew-like structure. In one embodiment, one face of the beta roll is mutated to comprise leucine residues. In some embodiments, a leucine zipper forming helical domain to the engineered beta roll forms hydrogels by physical cross-linking in calcium rich environments. |
| US09127260B2 |
Synthetic phytase variants
The invention relates to a synthetic phytase with elevated thermostability, elevated stability to acids at p H 2, elevated stability to pepsin and with a broadened active p H range, and to an isolated nucleic acid sequence coding for a synthetic phytase and to the use of the phytase in an animal feed for reducing the phosphate content in the slurry and to animal feed additives and animal feeds comprising the synthetic phytase. |
| US09127257B2 |
Modified polypeptide having homoserine acetyltransferase activity and microorganism expressing the same
The present invention relates to a polypeptide that is modified to have homoserine O-acetyltransferase activity, and in particular, the present invention provides a modified polypeptide having homoserine O-acetyltransferase activity, in which the amino acid at position 111 of a polypeptide having homoserine succinyltransferase activity is substituted with other amino acid. |
| US09127256B2 |
Method for production of reprogrammed cell using chromosomally unintegrated virus vector
An objective of the present invention is to provide vectors for conveniently and efficiently producing ES-like cells in which foreign genes are not integrated into the chromosome. The present inventors discovered methods for producing ES-like cells from somatic cells using chromosomally non-integrating viral vectors. Since no foreign gene is integrated into the chromosome of the produced ES-like cells, they are advantageous in tests and research, and immunological rejection and ethical problems can be avoided in disease treatments. |
| US09127255B2 |
3-dimensional scaffolds for improved differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to hepatocytes
The present invention relates to the use of 3-dimensional (3D) synthetic or animal-derived bioscaffolds as substrates for the improved growth and differentiation of hPS (Human pluripotent stem cells); these scaffolds being adapted for use in conjunction with existing cell culture lab plastic-ware. More specifically, it relates to the seeding of these scaffolds, either alone or in conjunction with various biologic matrix coatings, with hPS cells for the improved differentiation of said hPS cells into hepatocyte or hepatocyte-like cell types. The invention also relates to the seeding of partially-differentiated hepatocyte progenitors onto scaffolds for further differentiation into more mature hepatocyte-cell types. |
| US09127254B2 |
Scaffolding for tissue regeneration or repair
The present invention relates to bioresorbable scaffolding for tissue regeneration or repair. The present invention describes an epithelial organoid comprising an aggregate of epithelial cells predominantly expressing markers associated with differentiated cell types, and an aggregate which assumes a structure or performs a function associated with an epithelial organ or a fragment thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject in need of repair or replacement of an organ or a portion thereof; and/or a method of treating a subject with a disease or disorder which impairs or abrogates a liver, kidney, pancreas, thyroid or pituitary function. The present invention also describes an epithelial graft or artificial organ comprising spheroids, organoids or a combination thereof, and a kit for implantable epithelial graft formation comprising organoids. |
| US09127251B2 |
Means and methods for influencing the stability of antibody producing cells
The invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp 1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Stable antibody producing cells and cell lines are also provided, as well as methods for producing antibodies using such cells and/or cell lines. |
| US09127248B2 |
Products for transfection and reprogramming
The present invention relates in part to methods for producing tissue-specific cells from patient samples, and to tissue-specific cells produced using these methods. Methods for reprogramming cells using RNA are disclosed. Therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed. |
| US09127247B2 |
Petri dish including locking means for forming a stack
A Petri dish has members including a receptacle and an additional lid, both having an axisymmetric shape and which are delimited by a bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, the receptacle and lid bearing complementary lock sections so that when a stack is formed by superposing at least two dishes, borne by a first component of a first dish which can engage with the lock section of the second component of the second dish, thus making them rigidly connected to one another. These lock sections cooperate by relative rotational movement of one dish with respect to the other, the lock sections being borne by the peripheral walls and including protrusions. |
| US09127244B2 |
Digester assembly for providing renewable resources and associated systems, apparatuses, and methods
A renewable energy system includes a digester assembly having an outer tube with an input region and a digestion region. The input region extends above grade and is configured to receive liquid waste. At least a portion of the digestion region is positioned below grade and configured to receive the liquid waste and to anaerobically digest the liquid waste with microorganisms to supply renewable byproducts, such as methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon dioxide-rich water. The digester assembly can include two or more deformable tubes that are configured to move liquid through the outer tube by alternatingly compressing one another. In one embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to replenish waste liquid and to deliver liquid byproducts. In another embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to exhaust air, such as for delivery of gas byproducts and fostering an anaerobic environment. |
| US09127241B2 |
Development of extensional viscosity for reduced atomization for diluted concentrate sprayer applications
A non-Newtonian concentrate composition includes a sensitizer or irritant, a surfactant, an anti-mist component and optionally a stability component. Example sensitizers and irritants include, but are not limited to, acids, quaternary compounds, and amines, and example anti-mist components include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxide and polyacrylamide. |
| US09127238B2 |
Foam stabilization with polyethyleneimine ethoxylates
The invention involves foam stabilization compositions that rely upon an electrostatic charge interaction. According to the invention, the positively charged class of polymers such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers are used to provide a long range electrostatic interaction with detersive anionic or amphoteric surfactants present in the same. The interaction must be of sufficient character so that the components do not precipitate out, instead causing longer lasting and increased foam production. The system provides an environmentally friendly alternative for traditional foaming enhancers such as cocamide DEA. |
| US09127235B2 |
Alkaline detergent composition containing a carboxylic acid/polyalkylene oxide copolymer for hard water scale control
An alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a copolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling, for example at application temperatures of between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH of 9.5 to about 13. |
| US09127227B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing biomass material
An assembly for processing green biomass material for pelletizing into a fuel pellet includes a heating assembly, a drying assembly and a cooling assembly. The heating assembly heats a thermal fluid to a temperature within the range of 200° F. to 550° F. The drying assembly includes a rotating dryer drum that has a plurality of thermal fluid tubes therein. Material that is dried in the dryer drum is conveyed to a rotating cooling drum that has a cooling tube extending along the interior thereof. A nozzle is mounted on the end of the cooling tube to discharge cooling fluid on the material therein, and a plurality of flights are mounted on the interior of the cooling drum and arranged to direct material from the inlet to the discharge outlet as the cooling drum is rotated. |
| US09127225B2 |
High octane unleaded aviation gasoline
High octane unleaded aviation fuel composition having high aromatics content and CHN content of at least 97.8 wt %, less than 2.2 wt % of oxygen content, a T10 of at most 75° C., T40 of at least 75° C., a T50 of at most 105° C., a T90 of at most 135° C., a final boiling point of less than 190° C., an adjusted heat of combustion of at least 43.5 MJ/kg, a vapor pressure in the range of 38 to 49 kPa is provided. |
| US09127224B2 |
External steam reduction method in a fluidized catalytic cracker
The present disclosure generally relates to methods to reduce the external steam supplied to a fluidized catalytic cracker by injecting a stream comprising a water-containing renewable fuel oil into a riser of a fluidized catalytic cracker. |
| US09127221B2 |
Hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock
The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to an acid gas-depleted methane-enriched synthesis gas, with improved efficiency of the acid gas removal treatment. |
| US09127220B2 |
Biomass high efficiency hydrothermal reformer
A system for the production of synthesis gas, the system including a mixing apparatus configured for combining steam with at least one carbonaceous material to produce a reformer feedstock; and a reformer comprising a cylindrical vessel containing a plurality of coiled tubes, wherein each of the plurality of coiled tubes has a vertical height in the range of from about 40 feet 12.2 m) to about 100 feet (30.5 m) and a coil length that is at least four times the vertical height; at least one burner configured to combust a fuel and provide heat to maintain the reformer at a reformer temperature; at least one outlet for reformer product comprising synthesis gas; and at least one outlet for flue gas produced via combustion of fuel in the burners. A suitable mixing apparatus is also provided. |
| US09127218B2 |
Hydroprocessing and apparatus relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for hydroprocessing. The process can include providing a hydroprocessing zone having at least two beds, and quenching downstream of a first bed of the at least two beds with a first vacuum gas oil that may be lighter than another vacuum gas oil fed to the first bed. |
| US09127213B2 |
Method for predicting catalyst performance
Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of polyaromatic compounds from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated polyaromatic compounds therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; and (d) correlating a measurement of catalyst activity performance for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds to predict catalyst performance of a catalyst in a refinery operation of the hydrocarbon-containing feedstock. |
| US09127205B2 |
Plasma whirl reactor apparatus and methods of use
An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention. |
| US09127202B1 |
Biocompatible nano rare earth oxide upconverters for imaging and therapeutics
Methods and systems biomedical application of up conversion nanoparticles. Co-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation technique. Up conversion nano cerias are biocompatible as a biomarker with antioxidant properties. Up conversion nano cerias interact in a cell specific manner showing catalase mimetic activity. With suitable surface targeting ligands, up conversion nano cerias can be used for site selective drug delivery for the treatment of diseases like cancer. |
| US09127197B2 |
Aluminum deficient α-SiAlON phosphors, method of preparing the same, and LED chip package using the same
The present disclosure provides α-SiAlON phosphors, a method of preparing the same, and an LED chip package using the same. The method includes weighing and mixing raw materials of Ca0.8-xRexAlaySi12-yO1.2N14.8 (Re is a rare-earth element, 0≦x≦0.2, 2.6≦y≦3.0, and 0.6≦a≦0.95), and sintering the mixed raw materials via normal pressure sintering to prepare phosphors having a composition of Ca0.8-xRexAlaySi12-yO1.2N14.8. |
| US09127195B1 |
Method of making a viscous aqueous liquid
A quantity of insoluble solid particles is coated with a hydratable gelling agent to produce a composition comprised of a mass of discrete solid particles which is dry and flowable. The composition is made by placing a binder on the insoluble solid particles and then, while the binder is sticky, placing a hydratable gelling agent on the sticky binder to thereby form the composition. The hydratable gelling agent on the composition, upon contact with an aqueous liquid, operates to increase the viscosity of the aqueous liquid. |
| US09127192B2 |
Invert drilling fluids having enhanced rheology and methods of drilling boreholes
An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines. |
| US09127191B2 |
Use of ternary compositions
The use of a ternary composition of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and difluoromethane, as a heat-transfer fluid, in compression refrigeration systems with exchangers operating in counterflow mode or in cross-flow mode with counterflow tendency. A heat-transfer process in which a ternary composition of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and difluoromethane is used as a refrigerant in compression systems with exchangers operating in counterflow mode or in cross-flow mode with counterflow tendency. |
| US09127187B1 |
Mixed abrasive tungsten CMP composition
A chemical mechanical polishing composition includes a water based liquid carrier and first and second silica abrasives dispersed in the liquid carrier. The first silica abrasive is a colloidal silica abrasive having a permanent positive charge of at least 10 mV. The second silica abrasive has a neutral charge or a non-permanent positive charge. A method for chemical mechanical polishing a substrate including a tungsten layer includes contacting the substrate with the above described polishing composition, moving the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading the substrate to remove a portion of the tungsten from the substrate and thereby polish the substrate. |
| US09127185B2 |
Waterborne mid-coat paint composition
Composition comprising a polyester resin (A) made waterborne by adding 7-20 mass %, based on resin solids content of (A), of (a) a C1-3 alkoxy group-containing glycol monoalkyl ether to a polyester resin of resin acid value 25-35 mgKOH/g and neutralizing with a secondary amine and/or tertiary amine; a melamine resin (B) comprising methylated melamine resin and methyl/butyl mixed alkylated melamine resin, the content ratio based on resin solids content by mass of the methylated melamine resin to the methyl/butyl mixed alkylated melamine resin from 50/50 to 90/10, and the content ratio based on resin solids content by mass of component (A) to component (B) is 70/30 to 90/10, and a polypropylene glycol (C) comprising a number average molecular weight between 400 and 1,200, and in a mass percentage between 1 and 10 mass % in terms of the combined resin solids contents by mass of component (A) and component (B). |
| US09127179B1 |
Black ink for inkjet recording, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording device
To provide a black ink for inkjet recording, including: carbon black and a complementary color pigment thereof each serving as a colorant; a water-soluble organic solvent; and water, wherein the carbon black, the complementary color pigment, or a combination thereof is a self-dispersion type pigment. |
| US09127178B2 |
Inks and printing process
A process for printing a substrate comprising applying thereto an ink by means of an ink jet printer, wherein the ink comprises a latex binder, a liquid medium comprising water and organic solvent, and polymer-encapsulated pigment particles comprising a carboxy-functional dispersant crosslinked around a pigment core by a crosslinking agent, wherein the ink has a minimum film-forming temperature below 70° C. Inks are also claimed. The process and inks are useful for printing temperature-sensitive substrates, e.g. foil balloons and wrapping materials for special occasions. |
| US09127177B2 |
Water-based ink for computer-to-plate inkjet printing and preparation method therefor
A water-based ink for use in a computer-to-plate inkjet printing and a preparation method therefor. A polymer of 5 to 40 wt %, an additive of 0.01 to 10 wt %, a dye or pigment of 0.01 to 10 wt %, an organic solvent of 1 to 30 wt %, an anti-foaming agent of 0 to 5 wt %, and deionized water are stirred and mixed at room temperature. When the polymer is dissolved, the mixed solution is filtered. The filtrate is the water-based ink. The water-based ink is sprayed via a computer-to-plate machine onto a surface of a metal substrate (which may be an aluminum plate, a zinc plate, or a copper plate) to form a graphic region. A printing plate allowing for computer-to-plate printing is acquired after solidification. The printing plate acquired is allowed to achieve a halftone dot reproduction rate between 2 and 99% and a recognition rate of 175 lpi. |
| US09127172B2 |
Titanium dioxide
A colored composition comprising: a) NIR scattering TiO2 particulate material with an average crystal size of greater than 0.40 μm and a particle size distribution such that 30% or more of the particles are less than 1 μm; b) one or more non-white colorant; wherein the particulate material and the non-white colorant are dispersed within a vehicle. This material with a large crystal size has unusually high reflection of NIR radiation and, simultaneously, noticeably diminished reflectance of visible light. Also disclosed is a coated particulate TiO2 material, wherein the material has an average crystal size of greater than 0.40 μm, and the coating comprises one or more oxide material; this provides low levels of photocatalytic activity that were previously unattainable. This coated TiO2 material may be provided in a composition. |
| US09127169B2 |
Dark metal effect pigments produced by means of a physical vapour deposition (PVD) method
The invention relates to a metallic effect pigment, which metallic effect pigment has a substantially homogeneous chemical composition comprising at least one metal M and having an average content of oxygen of from 25 to 58 atomic percent, based on the total content of M and oxygen. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said metallic effect pigment. |
| US09127164B2 |
Fluorescent dyes and uses thereof
The present invention relates to fluorescent dyes based on acridine derivatives and use of such dyes, for example, in biochemical and/or cell based assays. A preferred feature of some of the dyes described is their long fluorescence lifetimes and their use to label biological molecules. |
| US09127162B2 |
Use of organogelator derivatives in bituminous compositions to improve the resistance of same to chemical stress
The disclosure includes the use in a bituminous composition of an organogelator derivative which has a molar mass no higher than 2,000 g/mol and includes at least one hydrogen bonds donor D, at least one hydrogen bonds acceptor A and at least one compatibilizer agent C in the bitumen, the compatibilizer agent C including a group selected among: at least one straight hydrocarbon chain including at least 4 carbon atoms, or at least one aliphatic cycle of 3 to 8 atoms, or at least one aromatic cycle, or at least one aliphatic or partly aromatic, or even entirely aromatic, condensed polycyclic system, each cycle including 5 or 6 atoms taken alone or as a mixture, to improve the resistance to aggressive chemical agents, in particular to hydrocarbons, such as gasolines, diesels and/or kerosenes, excluding N,N′-ethylene bis(stearamide) and excluding fatty-chains polyamines obtained by reacting polyalkylene fatty-chains polyamines of general formula (I) R—NH—(CH2—CH2—CH2—NH)n—H wherein R is a linear hydrocarbon chain, saturated and/or unsaturated, of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, n being an integer from 1 to 5, with formic acid. |